Practical Tips for Adapting to Stage Lighting with Ageing Eyes
Stage lighting is a double-edged sword: it brings performances to life, but it can also create real obstacles for performers—especially those over 60 or living with cataracts. At Performing Arts Vision Care, we believe that with the right strategies and support, performers can thrive under the spotlight, not just endure it.
1. Prepare Your Eyes Before Stepping On Stage
Just as you warm up your instrument or voice, prepare your eyes before a performance:
- Give yourself time to adjust to the venue’s lighting during rehearsal.
- Blink regularly to keep your eyes moist—dryness can intensify glare,
especially for those with cataracts.
- Use prescribed lubricating drops if your optician recommends them.
2. Mind the Humidity: Dryness, Sweat, and the Tear Film
- Stage environments vary: some are extremely dry due to the intense heat of stage lights, while others can become humid and cause profuse
sweating. Both extremes have a direct impact on your tear film—the thin layer of moisture protecting the surface of your eyes.
Dry air from hot lights can quickly evaporate your tear film, leading to dry, irritated eyes. This dryness increases sensitivity to glare and can make halos and starbursts from cataracts even more pronounced.
High humidity and sweat can cause your glasses to slip or fog and may even drip into your eyes, washing away the protective tear
film. This can also worsen glare and blur vision at crucial moments.
Tips:
Keep a clean, soft cloth handy to gently wipe away sweat.
Consider anti-fog lens treatments if you’re working in humid conditions.
Hydrate well and use lubricating eye drops as needed to maintain a healthy tear film.
3. Communicate with Lighting Designers and Stage Managers
Don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs:
- Let the lighting team know if certain angles or intensities cause discomfort or excessive glare.
- Ask for a walkthrough of lighting transitions so you can anticipate challenging moments, particularly if you have cataracts that slow
visual adaptation.
4. Take Advantage of Specialist Optical Solutions
Generic “blue light blockers” and off-the-shelf glasses rarely solve the unique problems of stage lighting—especially when cataracts are in play. Custom filters, precision tints, and anti-glare coatings designed for your specific needs can make a world of difference. If you notice halos, starbursts, or trouble with contrast, don’t
wait—book a specialist assessment.
5. Practice Good Visual Hygiene
Rest your eyes during breaks—look away from bright lights, sheet music, or your notes and focus on something distant.
-Keep your glasses clean and free from smudges, which can worsen glare for those with cataracts.
-If you wear contact lenses, ensure they’re appropriate for stage work and don’t dry out under hot lights.
6. Know When to Seek Help
If you’re struggling with glare, missing cues, or finding it harder to adapt to changing lights, it’s time to consult a specialist. Cataracts and other age-related changes can sneak up on you; early intervention can preserve both your vision and your career.
Real-World Support
Many performers have told us that small adjustments—like changing a filter or tweaking a lens tint—have transformed their experience on
stage. These changes can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed by glare (and the increased performance anxiety it brings) to performing with confidence and actually enjoying the experience again.
To find out why specialist vision care is a career investment for performers click the link below. You can't afford not to!
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