Why is the right lighting important?

We can all benefit from better lighting in our homes as the nights grow darker. No matter your age, getting your lighting levels right is essential, and most people over 60 require much more light than when they were 20. This is particularly true if you have existing sight problems. Light isn’t just about adding it, it’s also about knowing which type of light is most beneficial…

But why is the right lighting important?

1. In order to improve your vision, you should improve the clarity and contrast of what you are seeing. This is especially important for people living with sight loss. 

2. You can enjoy your hobbies and daily life more if you consider what you want to do at home and plan your lighting. If you enjoy cooking, consider extra lighting in your kitchen, on worktops and under cupboards to make your life easier.

3. Lighting can make you feel more confident and comfortable in your home when it is dark. Feeling nervous in the dark can lead to accidents, trips and falls.

4 . You should ensure that if you are using portable lighting in your kitchen you do not have trailing wires as they are a trip hazard. Tuck trailing wires away or better yet, use battery-operated lights to reduce the chances of trips and falls.

5. Having even lighting in your home makes life easier so you’re not constantly faced with glare or brighter lights as you move from one room to another. This can cause confusion, so do your best to keep your lighting even and add light from floor lamps and desk lamps.

6. Make sure the lamp is sturdy and does not topple easily; the base should be solid. When reading, you should place a desk lamp or floor standing lamp at eye level. Above eye level can cause glare that makes it difficult to read.

7. Hall stairways and landings need to be well lit, which makes you feel more confident when walking up and down the stairs. You can add extra sensor lights that turn on when you need them. These are fairly inexpensive and rechargeable.

8. It’s important to keep your lamp away from shiny surfaces and make sure that it doesn’t reflect light directly into your eyes from outside. This can affect how independent you are in your home or in public places.

9. Make sure you carry a small travel light when you are out, as this is helpful when looking at labels in a supermarket or menu. Battery operated lights are the best solution and can be stored in a purse or pocket.

10. If you will be using portable lighting make sure that it does not get hot to the touch, the lamp’s bulb does not protrude out of the shade, and it is flexible so you can angle the light in the direction you need it.

Next steps
If you would like to find out more about lighting that is available to help you with your sight loss, Justine our Equipment Officer can help. Call us on 0118 987 2803 or email info@berkshirevision.org.uk to make an appointment.