How The Right Lighting Solution Can Improve Your Eye Health

Have you ever suffered from a burning or itching sensation in your eyes after a day at work? You get your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist regularly, and everything seems fine. Until you return home and sit in front of the television. Suddenly your vision blurs. Eventually you get a massive headache.  These problems are increasing at an alarming rate due to people working or staying in poorly lit environments for too long. Did you experience some of these? If yes, they can be reversed with a few simple changes.

How Lighting Affects Your Vision

Why don’t you face this issue when visiting your doctor? Chances are that their clinic is a well-lit place that is neither too bright nor too dark. Also, you are not looking at a TV, laptop or computer screen that is likely dimmer or brighter than the surrounding light. You only notice the problem upon returning home or to the office. It indicates that the quality of your lighting system has been compromised and is hurting your eyes.  

Exposure to harsh fluorescent lighting for long periods of time can strain eyes and blur vision. It is not just overhead fluorescent lights causing this problem; it can be triggered by compact fluorescent lights (CFL) as well, even though they are a more energy-efficient substitute for traditional incandescent lights. The problem is made worse if you are in a dimly lit environment for too long, or use a computer.

Using computers for long periods has given birth to new problems regarding your eye health and vision. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain is a real problem of modern life. As described by the American Optometric Association (AOA), it is a “complex of eye and vision problems related to near work, which are experienced during or related to computer use.” Symptoms include blurred vision, eye strain, irritated and dry eyes, a burning sensation in the eyes, excessive secretion of tears, double vision, increased light sensitivity, changes in colour perception and ache in the head, neck, shoulder or back. In the office, CVS has been identified as a cause of poor performance and extreme discomfort.

Tips to Improve Vision and Eye Health with Lighting

The majority of light bulbs being used in businesses, schools and office buildings are bad for your eye health. This is mostly because these lights emit UV rays (as most fluorescent bulbs contain mercury vapour), and being exposed to them over a long period of time can do irreversible damage. The AOA states that long-term and repeated exposure from UV rays can cause cataracts and even blindness.

Use these simple tips to alter the harmful effects of lighting on your eyes at home or in the office.

• Avoid Fluorescent Bulbs

Compared to fluorescent bulbs, there are much healthier choices available today, such as traditional incandescent lights, LEDs and halogen bulbs. Getting full spectrum light bulbs that imitate natural sunlight, minus harmful UV rays, is also a good idea. Warm colours have been proved to be good for the eyes. Therefore, choosing light bulbs with a lower Kelvin colour temperature rating will reduce harsh impact on eyes.

• Combine Lighting

You can increase the brightness of any room without super bright bulbs.  By using multiple light fixtures in a single room, you make sure light is evenly distributed. You can even combine different types of lighting to produce something close to natural light.

• Use Dimmer Switches

Certain tasks require harsh overhead lights. However, with the help of dimmer switches, you can lower the brightness of these lights. But not too low. Working in well-lit areas diminishes the chance of straining your eyes due to dim lighting.

• Limit Exposure to Blue Light

Use the 20-20-20 rule when you need to spend a lot of time in front of the computer screen: look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds after every 20 minutes in front of your computer to relieve eye strain. 

You can’t ignore proper lighting or your vision when it comes to performing tasks. While too much light can strain your eyes and cause discomfort, too little can result in eye fatigue. And this is true whether you have healthy eyesight or suffer some type of eye condition. Having a comfortable lighting system ensures that you live and work in a healthy environment.