What are the main advantages and disadvantages of different lighting for reading?
Gene K asked:
I was wondering if there’s any particular lighting that is better for illumination, eye strain, headaches, color of light, etc. Do some lighting sources flicker, causing eye strain? I’m wondering about incandescent, compact fluorescent, and LEDs, natural light, and candlelight. Seems natural light would be the best… however I do sometimes find it difficult to read outside on a really bright day, so maybe not. I also see an advertisement for Tensor brand full spectrum light, but I don’t know what kind of bulb that has.
I was wondering if there’s any particular lighting that is better for illumination, eye strain, headaches, color of light, etc. Do some lighting sources flicker, causing eye strain? I’m wondering about incandescent, compact fluorescent, and LEDs, natural light, and candlelight. Seems natural light would be the best… however I do sometimes find it difficult to read outside on a really bright day, so maybe not. I also see an advertisement for Tensor brand full spectrum light, but I don’t know what kind of bulb that has.
When dealing with the computer, whether you need the help of glasses or not, there are good habits and practices that can help those poor old eyes.
Establish an eye-friendly environment for your computer use.
Position your monitor 20″ to 26″ from your eyes and about 4″ to 6″ below eye level.
Dim the lights. Most offices, especially those with florescent lights, are too bright. Flickering florescent lights should be eliminated.
Use proper lighting. Eliminate reflections on the computer screen. Reduce excessively bright light both inside and out.
Match the computer screen to the brightness of the environment.
Adjust your monitor for contrast and brightness. In general, dark letters on a light background are easier for most people to read.
Minimize glare on the computer screen. Use window shades, blinds, or drapes to block excessive sunlight. Move the computer to a location that causes no glare on the screen or use an anti-glare screen guard or hood.
If you are seated in a draft or near an air vent, try to eliminate the flow of air past your eyes. Make sure you sit straight in front of the monitor rather than off to the side.
Take a 5-minute break every hour or two to reduce eyestrain.
Blink more often. When staring at a computer, people blink about five times less frequently than normal according to some studies. Blinking lubricates the eyes. If you don’t blink, tears that coat the eye evaporate causing dry eyes. Dry air in the computer room can aggravate this condition.
Every fifteen minutes, focus on distant objects to relax your muscles.
An interesting article I read titled “Save Sight With More Light: NASA Helps Develop New Bulb” is in the link below. [who] Jason