In our homes the lighting we choose is invariably about the ambient effect and style of light fitting rather than clarity of vision. And all too often we accept sight loss with little understanding of the dramatic difference good lighting could make.
Bad light, damaged sight?
It used to be held that while reading in poor lighting might tire us, it didn’t have a long-term detrimental effect. However recent research suggests that concentrating in poor light might very well accelerate the onset of myopia. Reporting in the Lancet, Australian researchers noted that up to 90% of young adults in major East Asian countries are nearsighted, by contrast with 20% to 30% in the UK. They assert the difference is probably due to students’ spending too much time indoors, and that a few more hours of sunlight wouldn’t go amiss.
Read in more comfort….
As you get older more light is needed to help you see things as clearly as you used to do. Even if your eyes are completely healthy, at age 60 you will require around 3-4 times as much light as a 20-year-old to achieve a comparable level of vision. In poor lighting your visual system has to work harder, which often means you will get tired more quickly, thereby curtailing your reading enjoyment. This is especially true if you have an eye condition such as cataracts or Macular Degeneration. Built-for-purpose task lighting has been shown time and again to reduce eyestrain and make a huge difference in comfort levels.
In short, the evidence on damage to the eye of operating in dim light may be in its infancy, but the evidence of the impact of good light on the ability to concentrate for longer and with less strain is clear for all to see.
For more information on Serious lights call 0800 085 1088 or visit www.seriousreaders.com
