Coping

Lighting the Way for an Aging Eye

As the population has aged, the graying of America has fostered many new issues leading to products. This is particularly true regarding loss of vision and is evident in the number of advertisements for a great number of lighting products.

Lighting

There is a reduction in the amount of light entering the “aging eye.” This causes a reduction in visual acuity, color intensity and contrast.

Glare becomes a greater problem as people age. Many develop a sensitivity to glare caused by sunlight, other lighting sources and reflections from many household items.

Curtains, drapes, shutters, and blinds can reduce the light that enters through windows. Tinted shades can eliminate some glare. Furniture with a flat or matte finish is most helpful. If shiny surfaces are part of the décor, cover them with a cloth. Carpets (but not area rugs which contribute to slips and accidents) and nonslip floor finishes diffuse light to reduce glare problems.

As low vision becomes a problem for the increasing number of people with age-related macular degeneration, good lighting becomes an important asset. Advertisements often show a new and perceived need, therefore, The New York Times Book Review routinely features three or four advertisements for “the best,” “technology breakthrough,” “balanced spectrum,” etc. lights enabling people to see more easily.

Proper lighting is vital for many everyday tasks, such as reading, shaving, putting on make-up, sewing and cooking. Good lighting is also important for safety - walking down stairs, entering a room, cutting a potato, etc.

Each person seems to respond differently to the various types of light available. Too much or too little light affects each person in a different way. Test various types of lights and different intensity levels to learn what works best. You may also find that different lights may work best for different tasks.

Types of Light

Full Spectrum Lighting

This is the closest to natural sunlight and may be the most comfortable for people with visual problems. (That is why so many advertisements speak to a “sunroom,” “sunshine all over your room,” “sunshine every day of the year indoors.”) Full spectrum bulbs seem best when used in architect-type lamps that can me moved to direct the lighting on the task.

Incandescent Lighting

This type of lighting provides a “yellower” light. It seems a more direct light that is better for close work. This most common form of lightbulb is usually used in desk lamps and table lamps.

Halogen Lighting

Halogen creates the brightest and whitest light. It seems to enhance contrast between the print and the background for people with impaired sight, however, for some people it may generate too much glare. There is also a safety issue with the use of halogen lights. They create a higher amount of heat/light intensity than a normal incandescent lightbulb and, therefore, may start a fire if they are too close to paper, etc.

Fluorescent Lighting

This light produces a blue-white light. It is even and does not create shadows over a large area. However, it can create glare. Because it is energy efficient and it generates a great deal of light without using a lot of electricity, it is found in most public places.

Lighting Tips and Hints