For performers, clear vision is the foundation of every performance—whether you’re reading music, watching a conductor, or catching cues from the wings. As we age, the visual challenges posed by stage lighting become even more pronounced—and for many, cataracts
are a major compounding factor.

The Unique Demands of Stage Lighting

Performers over 60 often notice that reading music, scripts, or stage directions under harsh lighting is increasingly difficult. Modern LED
lights, now common in venues across the UK, emit strong blue light and create intense glare. Unlike the softer, warmer lighting of the past, these high-intensity lights can cause:
 

• Visual fatigue: Eyes tire more quickly, especially during long rehearsals or performances.
• Reduced contrast sensitivity: Notes and text appear less crisp, making it harder to read music or scripts.
• Slower adaptation: The ageing eye takes longer to adjust to sudden changes in lighting, risking missed cues or mistakes.
• Exacerbated glare from cataracts: For those with cataracts—a clouding of the eye’s natural lens—stage lights can cause overwhelming glare, halos, and starbursts, making it even more difficult to see clearly and comfortably. Cataracts scatter light inside the eye, amplifying the discomfort and visual confusion under stage lights.
  
  Real-World Impact
  
  We’ve seen musicians struggle to follow sheet music as overhead lights shift, stage managers squinting at control boards, and actors missing subtle cues due to glare. Cataracts can make these problems even more pronounced, sometimes forcing performers to consider stepping back
  from their careers.
  
  Why Mainstream Opticians Miss the Mark
  
  Mainstream opticians rarely have the time or experience to consider the complex interplay of ageing eyes, cataracts, and demanding stage lighting. At Performing Arts Vision Care, we understand these challenges intimately because we’re performers ourselves. Our assessments and solutions are designed specifically for the realities of stage life—including the compounding
  effects of cataracts and glare.