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As
mentioned earlier, the sun works on its own schedule, not yours, so
you will need to make some decisions regarding artificial light
sources. At its most successful, artificial lighting should
replicate natural light's full color spectrum (and its warm tone) as
much as possible. Fortunately, you have several viable options:
 Overview of Lighting Video
Fluorescent
Lighting
If
you attended public school or spent time waiting in line at a government agency, then
you may harbor a negative impression of fluorescent lighting. For a
long time fluorescent bulbs were dull, flickery things emphasizing
the darker end of the color spectrum (green, blue, violet).
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Fluorescent lighting under a kitchen cupboard.
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Well,
fluorescent lighting has come a long way. Full spectrum or warm
fluorescents are now available in several wattages (10, 14, 20, and
25) and are used in ceiling fixtures and other areas, such as under kitchen cabinets. Newer, compact
fluorescent bulbs fit into regular lamp sockets and provide
illumination that is comparable to incandescent light without the
heat.
Pros:
Provides cool, evenly spread illumination—better than
incandescent for general room lighting; does not create shadows;
inexpensive and energy efficient, provides cool lighting.
Cons:
Science hasn't completely licked the flickering problem, which can
produce a "strobe" effect; eye strain and headache are
possible if bulbs aren't properly covered; cannot be dimmed as easily
as incandescent light.
Use of Fluorescent Lighting Video
Incandescent
Light
Probably
the most common and familiar lighting choice for the home,
incandescent bulbs generally produce a "hot" light that
emphasizes the red/orange/yellow end of the light spectrum, although
full spectrum incandescent lights are now available (see info below).
Bulbs are available in clear and "soft white" finishes and
are used primarily in table and floor lamps and ceiling fixtures
Pros:
Produces a highly concentrated light that is best for "spot"
lighting for close work tasks such as reading and sewing. Light is
very stable (no fluorescent "flicker") and can be easily
controlled with a rheostat or dimmer switch.
Cons:
Not recommended for general room lighting—it creates shadows
and glare spots. As wattage increases, so does the amount of heat,
making prolonged close work problematic. Also, bulbs create areas of
bright light within a relatively dark room—an issue if your
eyes can't easily adjust to abrupt light changes.
Tips:
- Position
several incandescent fixtures in a room to create a more even light
throughout.
- Use
shades to reduce pinpoints of light.
Use of Incandescent Lighting Video
About
"Full Spectrum" Bulbs
Full spectrum
bulbs simulate natural sunlight by emitting fewer ultraviolet and
infrared rays than conventional bulbs, which reduce the emission of
yellow light. The effect is a more vivid "true" color with
increased contrast. Full spectrum bulbs are now available in
supermarkets, but a type called chromalux can be ordered through
specialty catalogs. Full spectrum bulbs are also available in
several different wattages.
Use of Full Spectrum Lamps Video
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Halogen
Light
Halogen
bulbs emphasize the red/yellow/green end of the light spectrum and
create an even more concentrated light than regular incandescent
bulbs. This type of light can be found in floor lamps, track
lights, and recessed ceiling fixtures. In general, halogen light is
not recommended for people with vision loss.
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Halogen lighting in a kitchen cupboard.
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Pros:
Brighter than incandescent light; gives more illumination with a
lower wattage; more energy-efficient than incandescent light bulbs.
Cons:
Very hot; not recommended for prolonged close work. Bulbs need to be
replaced frequently and are more expensive than comparable
incandescent light bulbs. Bulbs produce more blue light than other
options, which studies suggest can be harmful to the eye. Can be a
fire hazard.
Use of Halogen Lighting Video
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Vision loss doesn't have to work against you.
