Low Vision Lighting
Lighting needs increase as you age and especially for those with dry or wet macular degeneration. 
The right lighting can make a big difference in your ability to read, enjoy a magazine or perform a hobby. Sometimes it's the simple things that can really make a difference in our lives - and providing good lighting might just be one of those simple things that you can do to make a huge difference. More Lights and Better LightingOne of the most important things for you to know if you have macular degeneration is that - you need more light! Simple as that. You will need √ more lamps around the house and √ brighter bulbs. Low vision lighting includes lots of light fixtures. Make sure you have ample light fixtures, floor or table lamps that ensure your safety - near stairs, hallways, closets, and around furniture. Many people find it helpful to put some lights on timers so that as it gets dark, rooms or hallways are automatically lit. 1. The halogen torchere lamp provides the best brightness for overall room light. 2. A gooseneck adjustable floor or table lamp is best for detailed work. With this lamp you can bend the lamp to a position that directs the light to exactly where you need it. There are also clip on models so you can place one almost anywhere. 3. Get lamps that offer 3-way lighting. That way you can increase the lighting up to 150 watts for reading. 4. Get lamps that simulate the sun without the glare Sunlight is the Best of All LightsThe most powerful and brightest low vision lighting comes from the sun. It is better than any artificial light. Take advantage of this by allowing as much sunlight into your home.
Use the sunniest room in your house to do certain tasks like crossword puzzles, writing checks, or reading. Place a chair near a window for daytime reading. Natural sunlight is usually the best light for reading. Put your chair with its back against the window so that the sunlight falls onto your book or project. Bring your clothes into a sunny room to check to see if the colors are really navy blue or black.
What Lightbulbs are Best?
There are three main different kinds of light bulbs. √ Incandescent Bulbs - Regular Light Bulbs These are the ones you normally use in your lamps and ceiling lights. Usually they do not provide adequate lighting for someone with macular degeneration. (Be sure to follow manufacturers instructions - if it is too high for the lamp you can ruin your fixture or short your electrical system) √ Fluorescent Although they provide the brightest light, fluorescent lighting usually causes the most glare √ Halogen
Halogen Bulbs cause less glare but they can be too hot for some lamps. Just like the fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs can only be used in halogen lamps. As a desk lamp, they do provide the best "brightness." Many of the torchere lamps are halogen lamps and provide better low vision lighting to a room. √ Full Spectrum Lighting
Full spectrum lights enhances color and contrast and mimics sunlight. However, some eye specialists warn against using full spectrum lights because it contains blue light which is known to cause damage to the retina. Halogen Desk LampPeggy Wolfe the author of Macular Disease: Practical Strategies for Living with Vision Loss suggests "Look for a lamp that comes with a halogen bulb if you want really strong light."Dan Roberts the author of The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Find out how this type of lighting can help you see better: Halogen Desk Lamp Ott LightingOtt lighting is a low vision lighting that simulates natural day light. It provides a natural looking light that enhances contrast, reduces glare and provides better clarity.Click here to learn more and to see a selection of Ott lights: Ott Lighting Swing Arm Desk LampLight that can be directed onto your reading material or hobby will help you continue to do the things you enjoy. Either an adjustable arm or a gooseneck will make it possible to position the light in a way that brightens up your reading page or task.Less magnification is needed when task lighting is used. Find out how an adjustable desk lamp may be your most important vision aid for macular degeneration. Swing Arm Desk Lamp Floor Lamp Magnifier
As your macular degeneration progresses, the need for better light and higher magnification will become necessary. So instead of giving up hobbies you enjoy, adapt by getting the right magnification and better lighting.A floor lamp magnifier is a great visual aid to have for reading or for hobbies like sewing. Low vision lighting that also provides magnification is a good combination. Click here to learn more: Floor Lamp Magnifier Magnifying Desk Lamp
A magnifying desk lamp is a great macular degeneration visual aid. Bring your mail and letters to your desk where you will have light and magnification to read all the fine print. Look for one that has a swing arm or a gooseneck so that the light can be aimed or directed at your reading material or hobby. The closer the light to the object or material the better the illumination. To learn more or to see a selection click here:Magnifying Desk Lamp
Lighted Magnifying GlassA lighted magnifying glass is great to use around the house for spot reading or to take with you when you are away from home.You can use it to check prices, read labels or menus. They make some that are small enough to carry in your purse or your pocket. To learn more click here: Lighted Magnifying Glass Full Spectrum Floor LampFull spectrum floor lamps provide an excellent source of light for reading or for performing hobbies like needlework or jig saw puzzles.Find out what makes full spectrum lights different from the familiar incandescent light bulbs.
Lighting Interview with Low Vision SpecialistAlice Enault, a registered and licensed occupational therapist and certified low vision therapist provides some valuable answers to important questions on low vision lighting.She sheds some "light" on different types of lighting and how to provide light in your home while reducing glare and maximizing task lighting.
Low Vision Lighting Interview with Alice
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writes about his favorite low vision lighting at his desk; “For near-vision tasks, we placed white halogen lighting at my desk...”