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 light is 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?
Use the brightest light bulbs recommended for each light fixture.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 to 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. To learn more about this type of low vision lighting click here: Full Spectrum Floor Lamps 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 Floor Lamp MagnifierAs 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. Determine what power magnification you need before you make your purchase. Click here to learn more: Floor Lamp MagnifierSwing Arm Magnifier LampA swing arm magnifier lamp allows you to move and adjust the light and magnifier to any position. Its great for desk work like writing bills or balancing your check book.. or for something fun like a hobby. Click here to learn more or to see a selection:Magnifying Desk LampA 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. To learn more or to see a selection click here: Magnifying Desk LampLighted Hand Held MagnifierA lighted hand held magnifier is great to have when you are away from home. You can use it to check prices, read labels or menus. They are small enough to carry in your purse or your pocket. To learn more click here: Lighted Hand Held MagnifierRelated Information:
For a nice selection of swing arm magnifying lamps and full spectrum lighting click here to go to firstSTreet Lighting: Go from Low Vision Lighting to Vision Aids for Macular Degeneration Would you like to be updated on the latest: 
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