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The Optical Knowledge Portal
Information – Education – Certification

Low vision lighting

Low vision lighting

About 85% of all the information from the world around us comes through our eyes. Unfortunately, our senses deteriorate with age. Consequently, our visual performance also decreases with age. Multiple studies have shown that the provision of appropriate, high-contrast lighting can significantly improve visual acuity. An individually tested light temperature is more pleasant and improves visibility for reading or other close tasks noticeably. Optimised lighting can improve the visibility of details and thus restore the reading ability.

The value of good lighting only becomes clear when patients see it for themselves and test it in practice. To be able to read certain texts again, several requirements must be fulfilled. The text must be of a size that the eye can resolve and must be properly illuminated to form a sharp retinal image. Magnifying visual aids can influence size and sharpness. But lighting and contrast are at least as important.
Light helps us see colours, affects the human psyche and influences the hormone balance, thus significantly improving our quality of life.

Basics of good lighting

Good lighting is

  • glare-free,
  • consistent,
  • pleasant,
  • sufficiently bright.

It is recommended to use indirect lighting to illuminate rooms if possible. Simple reading lamps can already provide the necessary light intensity. Many older people are keen on saving electricity. It is important to make them aware of the following facts:

  • 85% of all information is taken in through the eyes.
  • Older eyes require considerably more light than younger eyes.
  • In addition to improving visual performance, good light promotes well-being.
  • Light emitting diodes consume up to 25 times less power and last 50 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Direct illuminationDirect illuminationDirektbeleuchtung Flur

  • Significant difference in luminance => direct glare,
  • pronounced shadowing and reflections,
  • reflected glare from floors, windows, doors and mirrors.

 

 

Indirect illuminationIndirect illuminationIndirekte Beleuchtung

  • Consistent, soft transition due to multiple reflections
  • minimal shadowing,
  • no reflections from floors,windows, doors and mirrors,
  • pleasant room ambience.