People with permanent vision
loss due to macular degeneration and other eye conditions require optimal
lighting conditions and magnification. Dr.
Randolph Kinkade, an optometrist and founder of Low Vision Consulting, believes
that each person with vision loss responds differently to light and
magnification.
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| Dr. Kinkade and Low Vision Lighting Options |
“Continued advances in
lighting and telescopic eye glasses show promise for treating vision
impairments, said Dr. Kinkade. “Too much or too little light and magnification
power is a problem when it comes to reading.”
The type of lighting, its
intensity, color and aim often are often the difference between being able to
read and not being able to read with telescopic glasses. Combined with special glasses, Dr. Kinkade
uses adjustable LED lights to maximize patient’s ability to read.
“Studies have shown
macular degeneration patients need 3-4 times the amount of light to read and to
do other close tasks as a person with normal vision,” explains Dr.
Kinkade. “Special high-power glasses and
telescopic glasses for reading require even more illumination.”
There are different types
of light bulbs available depending on the level of vision loss and visual need required
(i.e., reading, writing, cooking, sewing, etc.). Incandescent bulbs, regular traditional light
bulbs, tend to be a yellower light and are useful when the lamp is close to the
reading surface. They tend not to be the
best for contrast enhancement and accurate color perception.
“It is all about physics
and particularly electricity, radiation and optics to create the proper reading
illumination”, said Dr. Kinkade.
Neodymium bulbs are a type
of full spectrum incandescent light that uses the mineral neodymium to filter
out yellow that my reduce vision. These
bulbs tend to enhance color appreciation by making blues and reds richer.
“Halogen bulbs, another
type of incandescent bulb, contain the gas halogen,” said Dr. Kinkade. “They produce the brightest and whitest light
so they are effective when a really strong light is required. They can enhance the contrast between the
print and the background. They may
create too much glare and heat for some individuals.” Theaters often use this
type of lighting.
LEDs (light-emitting diodes)
are semiconductors offering relatively new bright light option for reading. The light source never needs replacing. They
are often found now in flashlights, but are becoming more available in desk
models.
Often the equipment is
more important than the illumination source for people with macular degeneration. Swing-arm and gooseneck lamps allow the
light to be aimed exactly where it helps the best. Using a swivel reflector shade and a lamp
that can be raised and lowered also help direct the light. Magnifying table and stand lamps are
available for those only requiring a small amount of magnification.
“Many patients read best
with the light over the shoulder of the eye with the best vision and should be
positioned very close to the reading material,” said Dr. Kinkade. “This is
particularly with high-power reading telescopes.”
Very nice eye glasses.I like this because even the small letters I can read it! How nice right? I will buy this one soon. Thank you so much for posting!
ReplyDeleteEyeglasses with Lights