Why is Lighting So Important for Low Vision?

Why Lighting Is Your First Line of Defense for Low Vision

Hitting 40 brings some interesting changes. One of them is presbyopia, where your eyes struggle to focus on close-up objects. Suddenly, tasks like reading a phone in the dark become impossible. This experience highlighted how crucial lighting is, especially for those with low vision.

I once saw an optometrist testing a patient with severe visual impairment. Instead of the standard 20-foot chart, they brought it closer. What was truly eye-opening was how the angle of the light affected the patient’s ability to see. A simple shift in the chart’s position, altering how the overhead light hit the letters, made all the difference. This demonstrated that lighting is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in improving contrast.

If you don’t want to change the overall room lighting, a simple reading lamp can provide focused, bright light. Lighting is a straightforward and effective way to address low vision. Magnification solutions, while helpful, narrow the field of view. By contrast, lighting enhances visibility without sacrificing peripheral vision. Therefore, lighting should be the first line of defense.

Understanding Modern Lighting: Lumens vs. Watts

Historically, wattage measured light brightness. However, wattage actually indicates energy consumption. Modern lighting is more efficient, producing more light with less power. So, the key metric to look for is lumens, which measure actual brightness.

Generally, more lumens are better, or rather, more potential lumens. You want the option for very bright light that you can then dim to a comfortable level. LED lights offer excellent dimming capabilities. It’s important to avoid excessive brightness that creates glare. Glare, like the sun being too bright, hinders vision. You need to find the “sweet spot” where brightness enhances, rather than impairs, function.

Finding the Right Light for You

Adjustable lighting is essential because everyone’s eyes respond differently. Some people prefer daylight bulbs (bluish-white light), while others prefer warmer, yellowish tones. Adjustable color temperature, along with adjustable brightness, is ideal. These types of lamps are widely available and affordable, found in craft stores, online, and even at Chadwick.

Ultimately, the right lighting can significantly improve visual clarity and quality of life.

Charlie Saccarelli

President, Chadwick Optical

As President of Chadwick Optical, Charlie Saccarelli is the driving force behind the company’s mission to help every patient left behind by the current health care system. Under his leadership, Chadwick has grown from a simple optical lab into a trusted resource for practitioners around the world looking for ways to help the patients that “can’t be helped.” He is a master optician, a father, a bit of a nerd, and a passionate patient advocate who has lectured worldwide on all things optical.