The Impact of Light on Our Vision: What Your Clients Need to Know

In the current working climate, millions people spend much of their time using a screen producing blue light. Therefore, it is essential that we are informed and understand the long-term effects of different types of lighting on the health of our bodies, especially our eyes. This guide aims to provide insights into how various lighting sources affect our eyes and offers practical recommendations to promote eye health. As lighting companies, this is great information to relay to your clients, showing an interest in creating environments that support visual comfort and well-being.  

Many people are unaware of how different types of lighting may affect their eyes. The human eye functions similarly to a camera, where light enters through the cornea, passes through the pupil and is focused by the lens onto the retina. Photoreceptor cells line the retina, converting light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain and interpreted as images. 

Types of Lighting and their Effects 

Blue Light 

Effects: Exposure to blue light is known to cause dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision and headaches. It can also inhibit melatonin production, disrupting sleep patterns as our bodies respond to it by ‘waking up’. So, it is particularly problematic when your eyes are exposed to it before you go to sleep. 

Future Concerns: As the use of blue light emitting electronics increases, millions of people are expected to develop macular degeneration. This is where the central part of the retina (the macular) deteriorates, leading to blurred or even no vision in the middle of the visual field. Though popular, LEDs still emit a significant amount of blue light, which might be a concern given how widely they are used. Exposure to blue light can cause changes in retinal function and shape, damaging the blood retinal barrier and injuring retinal pigment cells.  

Recommendations: The ‘20-20-20’ Rule: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at an object at least 20 feet away to help reduce eye strain.  

UV Light 

Benefits and Risks: To promote vitamin D synthesis and regulate our circadian system, exposure to natural light is essential. It is also known to improve mood, reducing the risk of depression. However, excessive exposure to UV can damage the eyes, specifically UVA and UVB rays. These are the most damaging types of UV rays as they can cause issues such as corneal degeneration, cataracts and macular problems. UVA rays penetrate deeply, causing long term damage, while UVB rays can cause immediate sunburn or photokeratitis (a painful eye condition which is effectively a sunburnt cornea). 

Protection: UV-blocking sunglasses are a great way of excluding UV wavelengths, look for a ‘UV protection’ sticker when shopping.  

Recommended Lighting for Eye Health 

Generally, ideal lighting should have moderate brightness levels, a warm/amber colour temperature, low flicker and minimal blue light.  

Advice for Your Clients 

• Opt for dimmable fixtures to adjust lighting as needed 

• Choose warm colour temperature bulbs 

• Supplement with task lighting for specific activities 

• Consider light filter or coatings to reduce blue light exposure 

Takeaways 

Thoughtful lighting selections can significantly impact eye health. Educating your clients on these considerations will help them to choose solutions that support comfort and wellbeing. Emphasising this when working with your clients will enhance their satisfaction with your services and boost the reputation of your brand.