Lighting for Low Vision

The following article addresses lighting options for those with low vision to maximize their eyesight while reducing the eye strain and discomfort that is common when using powerful lamps.

What Kind of Lighting Is Ideal For Low Vision?

Generally speaking, most houses have very low light, when compared to the outside, or the kind of lighting found in supermarkets. People diagnosed with low vision often benefit from certain types of lighting to aid them in their daily activities. No type of lighting is suitable for everyone. It varies according to the individual and according to the specific ocular condition. Furthermore, certain lighting may be effective for an eye disorder in its earliest stages but may require changes as the condition progresses.

Low Vision Conditions That Might Require Special Lighting

People who may benefit from such lighting include:

People born with low vision
Those who sustain an injury to the optic nerve
People with degenerative conditions such as inoperable cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration

Types of Lamps

An optimal environment for those with low vision utilizes proper lighting throughout the house or workstation, with judicious use of floor lamps, ceiling lamps, swing arm lamps, table lamps, and overhead ceiling lights.

Cabinet lighting: These lights can be very helpful in the kitchen or workspaces. They provide focused light with the added benefit of reduced glare if they are installed below eye level.
Ceiling fan: Bright ceiling lighting enables ease of overall navigation around the house.
Portable lamps: There are many options for portable LED lights that can be taken out of the house to assist with daily activities such as finding your keys in poorly lit areas, reading a menu in a dark restaurant, or with general reading material. Patients with low vision will often find tremendous benefit from having powerful full spectrum lamps in areas of the house where they require additional visual clarity, for example located next to a favorite reading chair.

Good practices

Lighting will often feel bright for the first few days but we tend to adjust to it very quickly. The following suggestions may be beneficial for maintaining a properly illuminated environment.

Light timers: Set optimal settings to a timer, to maintain optimal vision on a schedule.
Lamp shades: Lighter-colored lamp shades provide more illumination than dark ones.
Placement: The effects of glare can be difficult for people with low vision. The ideal type of lighting can be found with the use of focused lamps which provide full spectrum lighting.
Low vision lighting should be situated below eye vision whenever possible to help reduce difficulties with glare. Select a place for the computer screen where it does not receive direct light from a window.
Moving a lamp closer to an object will reduce shadows.
It is preferable to use several lamps in a room rather than one to maintain light equality throughout the room.
Lighting will often feel bright for the first few days but we tend to adjust to it very quickly.

Lighting for Visual Impairment

There are many types of lighting for low vision patients. If you have low vision and would like to know more, speak with our low vision optometrist or a low vision occupational therapist to determine what lighting options are available, and how to utilize them most effectively for your personal needs. Our low vision doctor is trained in getting you the best lighting that matches your needs for daily activities and your budget.

Lighting for Low Vision

The following article addresses lighting options for those with low vision to maximize their eyesight while reducing the eye strain and discomfort that is common when using powerful lamps. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Learn More

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According to the National Eye Institute, macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.