As you age, your eyes require more light to function optimally. Unfortunately, it’s a common part of aging. In this post, we discuss why your eyes need more light as you age, how you can be better equipped to care for your eyes and how an experienced eye doctor can help.
Understanding the Aging Eye
Your eyes go through various changes as you age. One of these changes is a decrease in the pupil’s size, which doesn’t allow as much light to reach the retina, the light-sensitive part of your eye. This usually means you need more light to see as clearly as you used to.
Due to the natural aging process, the lens and cornea in your eyes tend to turn yellow and lose transparency, which dims the light entering your eyes. This can make it more difficult to distinguish color contrasts and can make spaces appear dimmer than they are.
Tips on Adjusting Lighting to Accommodate Aging Eyes
Fortunately, there are several adjustments you can make to address this issue.
Increase Ambient Lighting
Use a combination of ceiling, floor and table lamps to enhance the overall illumination level. Choose LED or fluorescent lighting, which provides brighter and more consistent light than incandescent or halogen bulbs.
Minimize Glare
Use matte lampshades or frosted bulbs to reduce glare and improve visual comfort. Install window treatments, such as shades or blinds, to control the amount of natural light entering the room.
Use Task Lighting
Position lighting close to activities requiring focused attention, such as reading, cooking or sewing. Use adjustable or flexible task lights with a luminous color temperature between 2,700K and 4,000K to help reduce eyestrain.
Optimize Natural Light
Make the most of natural light by keeping windows clean and placing mirrors strategically to reflect more light into the room. Choose light window coverings, such as sheer curtains, that allow daylight to enter while providing privacy.
Layer Lighting
Combine ambient, task and accent lighting to create a versatile lighting scheme that can be adapted to different activities and moods. Use dimmer switches for more control over the intensity and quality of light.
Consult an Eye Care Professional
Visit an eye doctor regularly to maintain optimal eye health and get personalized advice on your vision needs. Consider wearing anti-glare or bluelight-blocking eyeglasses as an additional measure to reduce eyestrain.
While the requirement for more light is a natural part of aging, there are many ways to manage this change. If you’re in Eldersburg or Westminster, MD, call Opti-Care at (410) 795-8670 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment. We also offer dry eye treatments.