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No
single lighting option is adequate for every task. You may want to
experiment with a mix—incandescent bulbs for close tasks and
fluorescent bulbs for general room lighting. This option utilizes
the best features of both types of lighting to create a full spectrum
light in any room. Lamps with combined fluorescent and incandescent
bulbs are available from lighting supply stores and specialized
resources.
Lighting
Right—The Basics:
- Experiment
with several types of lighting. Some people may prefer
incandescent, some fluorescent, and some a combination of both.
- Experiment
with different placements of lighting.
- Cover
or shade bulbs. Choose a covering that reflects the light off the
ceiling or walls before it hits the eyes; reflective light produces
excellent light while also reducing glare.
- Use
stronger light bulbs or 3-way bulbs to provide no-glare lighting.
- Put
lamps in places where you do close work. For example, put a
gooseneck lamp in your reading-writing area. Many companies make
softer light bulbs that simulate natural daylight and can be very
helpful to someone with low vision.
- Install
extra lights in the bedroom closet and other frequently used closets
and cabinets throughout the home.
- Put
special lighting over all stairways (where serious, even fatal,
accidents are most likely to happen).
- Make
sure the lighting level is consistent throughout your home to
eliminate shadows and dangerous bright spots. Install rheostats, or dimmers.
- Be
certain you can easily reach light switches from doorways and from
your bed.
- Use
night lights in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom.
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Vision loss doesn't have to work against you.
