Requiring more light to see clearly is a normal part of the aging progress. Typically, older eyes need three times the light needed at a younger age.

For people with visual impairments, especially those with retinal disorders, increasing the amount of light can have a big impact on the ability to see. Sometimes, better lighting strategies can be more helpful than magnifiers. Choosing the best lighting solutions will depend on what’s most comfortable for you and what gives you the ability to do visual tasks.

In general, “task light”—or light that focuses on what you’re doing—is more effective than a light on the ceiling at the center of the room. The key is to direct light onto the object that you wish to see. For example, if you were reading, you’d position the light so it shines onto the book. Position your light behind you so it shines over your shoulder and onto the object. This way, your material is illuminated and you are able to avoid the glare of having light shine into your eyes.

Easy ways to increase lighting

• Increase the wattage of your light bulbs. Try bumping up to 75 or 100 watts. To avoid fires, remember to check the wattage limits of your light fixtures before using a high-wattage bulb.
• Experiment with different types of light bulbs. Incandescent, fluorescent and halogen light bulbs are all different, so find the type of light that is most comfortable for you.
• Change your lampshade. A “bullet” shaped shade targets light and lets you easily direct where it shines.
• Buy a gooseneck lamp. The adjustable necks of these floor or desk lamps make directing light easy. Consider purchasing more than one, and keep them in places where you commonly do work.
• Carry a small flashlight. A bright, lightweight flashlight kept in your purse or pocket makes reading menus and labels easier.

Where can I purchase products to improve my lighting?

Glare and glare control

Glare results when light (natural or artificial) shines directly into your eyes or reflects off of a shiny surface. Generally, people are the most comfortable when glare is minimized as much as possible.

Some simple ways to decrease glare include:

• Face away from windows. Put your back to the windows when you are doing tasks such as reading or working. This way, the light will shine at your back and over your shoulder, rather than directly into your eyes.
• Shut the drapes. Closing the curtains or pulling the sheers is a quick way to block or minimize glare.
• Get sunshades. Sunshades are wrap-around sunglasses that can be worn alone or over glasses. Sunshades block the glare of the sunlight without decreasing the overall brightness, and can be worm inside or outside.

Where can I purchase products to help control glare?