Safety in the dark and cold depends upon great lighting.

Winter brings ice, snow and long periods of darkness that pose significant hazards to those living with low vision. Icy patches and uneven walking surfaces make for treacherous walking and create more than ample opportunity to trip, slip and fall. Short winter days require longer use of artificial lighting and the shadows they cast can their own fall hazard. However, the right lighting in the right place can go a long way toward improving safety. Here are some lighting guidelines:

First walk through the house and take a quick inventory of lighting. Check to make sure that there are enough table lamps positioned around the room, that they are the correct height and that the lampshades are white. If there are overhead lights make sure that they are fully outfitted with the highest wattage light bulbs allowed for the fixture. Floor lamps should be positioned so that cords do not pose a trip hazard and provide maximum light for the use of the room. The bulbs in these fixtures should also be the correct wattage.
What type of light is best for low vision? This varies from one individual to another, but overall the best types of light for low vision are fluorescent, halogen, and LED.

• Fluorescent bulbs create the brightest light but can also cause significant glare.
• Halogen bulbs can cause less glare and when used in a desk lamp they provide the best and brightest light. However, some halogen bulbs can overheat in the lamp. Make sure to use halogen bulbs only in a halogen lamp.
• LED lights provide bright, cool lighting and can lasts for thousands of hours of use.
Beware of blue lights: Blue light is included in full spectrum lighting and can adversely impact the macula in the retina of the eye. This is especially hazardous to those suffering with macular degeneration. While full spectrum lighting looks warm because it mimics the rays of the sun, it should be avoided in favor of fluorescent, halogen or LED lights that do not include the blue light spectrum.

What type of lighting fixtures are best?
There are many lighting fixtures that can be adjusted to focus closely on reading, knitting or other activities. These include goose neck floor lamps and desk lamps that are flexible and are available with LED or halogen light bulbs. Ott lights provide very clear light for indoor tasks. Their specialized light simulates day light. Each of these allows the user to bring the light close to the task at hand. The more a task is illuminated the less eye strain will occur.

The Mighty Power of the Pen Light
Some people who live with low vision keep a pen light in their pocket. It becomes a handy tool for nearly every task from reading menus to getting a key in the door. A good pen light is easy to find, economical to buy and won’t go out if and when a winter storm takes the power out.

Eliminate Shadows
Once the right light fixtures with the maximum wattage bulbs are in the home, placement becomes essential. A simple walk around the exterior and interior of the house will quickly show you where dangerous shadows exist. It’s important to eliminate them because they pose significant fall hazards to those with low vision. Move the light fixtures until you achieve well lit pathways indoors and outdoors.

We can help you with questions about low vision. Our practice is dedicated to enhancing functional vision for those who have been told that nothing more can be done. If you are or a loved one are struggling with low vision caused by significant eye disease contact us to schedule a consultation. We will enhance your sight together.

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