See Better at Home
One in six adults over the age of 45, and one in four over the age of 75 have low vision, the inability to see well enough to do everyday activities. While many issues can cause low vision, proper lighting almost always is a key element in enhancing your ability to see. So set yourself up for success whenever possible, like your home environment, and make the lighting work for you.
You may feel the only option you have to improve your vision is to turn on all the lights. But there are actually many visual aids that can help improve your ability to see. One very simple and inexpensive option is revising your lighting.
Have you ever noticed how clear you see and how vibrant colors are when outside on a sunny day? That clarity is because of the color temperature. Light has many different characteristics that can affect the way things appear. One feature is color temperature. Light bulbs can emit 4 different colors and are categorized by a “Kelvin rating” or K number and a description.
Note the difference in colors the light gives off in the example above. The Warm White light appears more yellow, giving it a soothing and warm effect while the cool Daylight (or Natural) is more blue, alerting and clear. Below is a description of each of the color temperatures as a reference.
Soft white (2,700-3,000 Kelvin) is warm and yellow, the typical color range you get from incandescent bulbs. This light gives a warm and cozy feeling and is often best for living rooms, dens and bedrooms.
Warm white (3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin) is more yellowish-white, giving it a warm and cozy feel. They are best suited for kitchens and bathrooms.
Bright white (4,000 to 5,000 Kelvin) is between white and blue tones giving it a less cozy and more energetic feel. Bulbs with this color range are best for work spaces (such as a home office or garage) and kitchens with chrome fixtures.
Daylight (5,000 to 6,500 Kelvin) has a more bluish tone and will maximize contrast for colors, making it ideal for working, reading or applying makeup.
By selecting the right features, you can maximize your vision. If you have low vision, Daylight bulbs are usually the best. Daylight bulbs with a 5000K - 6000k rating will most closely replicate that clarity. Your need(s) and preference will help you choose which color temperature will work best for you. This video explains the differences more fully.
If this seems like a lot, don’t be overwhelmed! Newer packaging takes away the need to memorize all this; there is a “Lighting Facts” label on the package which identifies the light color the bulb will provide. To see the difference for yourself, place a daylight bulb in any light fixture that has the warm, yellow color light bulb and observe the difference!
Author: Dr. Brandy Archie is an occupational therapist and the founder of AccessAble Living providing seniors & persons with a disability the necessary equipment, home remodeling & resources to regain their independence and live safely at home, no matter their age or level of ability
