June marks Cataract Awareness Month, a vital part of Canada’s Eye Health Month initiative. Cataracts are among the most common causes of vision loss worldwide, yet they are also one of the most treatable. Raising awareness about symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early diagnosis helps individuals take proactive steps to preserve their vision.
In Port Alberni, British Columbia, Valley Vision Optometry has become a trusted name in eye care. Under the leadership of Dr. Shaun Golemba and Dr. Morgan Jackson, the clinic offers a wide range of services focused on preventing avoidable vision loss—including advanced diagnostics like the BeyondSight Assessment that help detect conditions such as cataracts in their earliest stages.
What Are Cataracts Eye Health?
Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, impairing the way light is focused on the retina. This clouding leads to blurry or dim vision and typically progresses slowly over time. Although cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can also result from factors like diabetes, trauma, or prolonged UV exposure.
Recognizing the signs of cataracts early is key to preserving vision. Common symptoms include:
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Halos around lights
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Fading or yellowing of colors
These symptoms can be subtle at first and are often mistaken for general vision decline. This is why regular eye exams are crucial.
The Role of the Pre-Cataract Workup
At Valley Vision Optometry, the pre-cataract workup provides a deeper look into a patient’s cataracts. Unlike standard exams, this evaluation measures visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, night vision performance, and light glare tolerance. It is especially beneficial for maximizing patients’ outcomes after surgery.
This proactive approach allows Dr. Golemba and Dr. Jackson to tailor care plans and discuss treatment options early on. Having these discussions prior to seeing a surgeon, patients have more control over how and when they pursue corrective procedures.
A Brief History of Cataract Treatment
Cataract treatment has evolved significantly. In ancient civilizations, treatments were primitive and often harmful. Modern advancements began in the 20th century with the development of the intraocular lens (IOL) and phacoemulsification surgery, a procedure using ultrasound to break up and remove the cloudy lens.
Today, cataract surgery is one of the most successful and commonly performed procedures in the world. It typically involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, often requiring only local anesthesia and minimal downtime.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Not all cataracts require immediate surgery. Early stages can often be managed with updated prescriptions, better lighting, and anti-glare lenses. However, when vision starts to interfere with daily tasks such as driving, reading, or recognizing faces, surgery becomes the best option.
Modern cataract surgery options include:
- Monofocal IOLs (clear vision at one distance)
- Multifocal IOLs (vision at multiple distances)
- Toric IOLs (correcting astigmatism)
Dr. Golemba and Dr. Jackson help patients understand their surgical options and refer them to trusted ophthalmologists for the procedure when appropriate.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Cataracts cannot always be prevented, but some lifestyle choices can delay their onset:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet high in antioxidants
- Quit smoking
- Manage health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Get regular eye exams
Maintaining overall health plays a significant role in preserving eye health. Valley Vision Optometry emphasizes preventative care to help patients avoid vision loss from cataracts and other age-related conditions.
Why Cataract Awareness Month Matters
More than 2.5 million Canadians live with cataracts, and this number is expected to grow with our aging population. Public awareness campaigns like Cataract Awareness Month encourage early detection and timely treatment, which can dramatically improve quality of life.
Valley Vision Optometry is proud to contribute to this effort. With tools like the BeyondSight Assessment and a patient-centered approach, Dr. Golemba and Dr. Jackson ensure their community receives high-quality care that focuses on both immediate needs and long-term eye health.
Take Action This June
Cataract Awareness Month is a powerful reminder to prioritize vision health. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply due for a checkup, June is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Consider the following steps:
- Book a BeyondSight Assessment
- Encourage loved ones, especially seniors, to get an eye exam
- Share information about cataracts with your community
- Protect your eyes from UV damage by wearing sunglasses
Cataracts may be common, but vision loss from them doesn’t have to be. With the right care and early intervention, you can maintain clear, comfortable vision well into your later years. For residents of Port Alberni, Valley Vision Optometry is here to help every step of the way.
If you’re due for an eye exam or have concerns about your vision, contact us at 250-724-0933 to schedule an eye exam and learn more about how Dr. Golemba and Dr. Jackson can help protect your eyes in the workplace.