Fluorescent 

Fluorescent lighting is very often used in public places, such as schools or hospitals and is considered to be energy efficient, bright, economical and safe for the eyes. It is more energy efficient than incandescent or halogen lights and it is not as expensive as LEDs. Fluorescents are not always so easy on the eyes, but it has a range of color temperature flexibility which can be very useful.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

These lights are recommended for their durability, efficiency and small size. The initial purchase can be expensive, but they are long lasting and do not require much maintenance. This type of light is an extremely adaptable lighting technology that is very innovative for people with vision loss. LED’s can be made in any shape and size, and can have full spectrum, dimming, changeable color temperatures, and when properly designed are cool to the touch. 

Full-Spectrum

Full spectrum light is a term used to describe illumination that is the closest to mimicking natural sunlight so it boasts a high color rendering index. It includes the entire color range which is helpful for people who have difficulty with contrast sensitivity because full spectrum lighting can help make colors more discernible and crisp. Artists, graphic designers, and museums will generally look for full spectrum lighting in order to ensure that they can discern minute changes to the color. 

Lighting Placement

While the type of light is important, the placement of the light has a great impact as well. Your low vision optometrist will discuss with you which tasks are important for you to accomplish that are challenging due to low vision. You will then be advised as to which lights are appropriate for different scenarios and how to set up your lighting in the optimal way. The low vision optometrist will give you different tips for specific tasks. For example, it is easier to watch television in a room that is lit, as opposed to a dark room. In order to check if there is glare on the TV screen you can turn the TV off and see if the light is hitting on the screen and then readjust.

Tips for Better Lighting

There are many factors to keep in mind when you’re setting up your illumination. For example, when doing something requiring attention to detail, such as reading, you don’t want the light to be too far away as too much distance means less illumination reaches the page. The further away that the light is placed, the more powerful it will need to be. Conversely, having the light too close to the page can be overpowering and make it harder to read.

It is advisable to have directional lighting such as floor and table lamps, which have an effect on the surfaces where you read or need improved lighting. Adjustable stands are recommended, as they grant increased flexibility regarding the angle the light is at. Very often, low vision optometrists will recommend lighting that is adjustable which allows you to bring the lamp closer or farther away as needed. Keep in mind that sometimes when you bring a lamp very close to you, the heat emitted could become uncomfortable. A good tip to solve that issue is to use a lamp with a double shade, also known as an internal reflector which reduces the level of heat and allows the user to keep the light in the precise position needed, even if that’s close to your face. Also, you might want to avoid using a metal shade for a lamp that is placed close to you because it can become very hot.

Specific lights can also be placed in key areas where they’ll be needed. For example, you can put lights by kitchen cabinets or work areas. In addition to adding direct lighting to your home or workspace, indirect lighting such as ceiling or wall lights are important. Increasing the amount of light in the hall, stairways, living room, and bathroom are important as they make it easier to navigate, especially for someone with vision loss. In addition to direct lighting, it is always recommended to improve the overall lighting to assist those with low vision. Dimmer switches and timers can also be utilized to control how much light is in a space at any given time.