Vision 101

The pupil is the opening in the eye that controls the amount of light that enters the eye. As humans get older, the pupil gets smaller. Simply providing brighter light is not the answer because the change also makes us more sensitive to glare and shadows. Combine that with the reduction in peripheral vision and what for some is a quality of life issue becomes a concern for safety and security.

Okay, So What Can I Do?

It's not necessary to completely redesign the home's lighting scheme. However a lot of new construction now contains lighting and design elements that allow easy transition through the life stages of the occupants. Remember that Universal Design means ease of use for all.

 

The goals are:

• Consistency - Balanced even light throughout the room. Even light promotes:

• Reduced glare - Direct glare (as from a light bulb) and reflected glare (from shiny surfaces) are eliminated.

• Decreased shadows - Especially when moving between rooms. A drastic transition from light to dark or dark to light can be extremely awkward for those with reduced vision.

• Flexibility - Lighting can be added or adjusted when brighter light is needed.

• Focus - Light is directed to the areas that need it most.

• Security - Well lit stairways, handrails, hallways and entryways provide safety and a sense of well being.

 

The following ideas and solutions would prove useful as well as stylish in practically any application:

• Overhead lighting is normally provided by incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Upgrade or supplement overhead lighting with additional sources.

• Recessed lights can be placed in the exact spots where additional illumination is needed.

• Track lights provide overhead light and allow light to be focused where it's needed.

• Under-cabinet lights are a very inconspicuous source of kitchen illumination.

• Task lights supplement overhead indirect lighting when additional light is needed for hobbies, reading, or other concentrated projects. Lamps are the most logical source of task lighting. Place them on one or both sides of the task. Reduce glare by having the shade below eye level.

• Wall fixtures, such as sconces, help light stairways and hallways. Side lights by the bathroom mirror reduce shadows.

• Skylights and tubular lights provide natural light.

   

  

 

Lights & Switches

Bulbs

The three main types of light source are incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent:

• Incandescent is the most common. Inexpensive and shorter-lived than halogen and fluorescent, they are regularly used for overhead lighting and lamps.

• Halogen lights make great task lighting, plus they are energy efficient.

• Fluorescent bulbs are available in either tubes or compact. Both are efficient and inexpensive to operate. Compact florescent bulbs are designed to fit conventional incandescent sockets.

   

Switches

• Rocker or toggle switches are easily controlled by those who may have limited hand strength or dexterity.

• Dimmer switches with knob or touch sensitive controls allow adjustable light levels. Mount switches 36-48 inches from the floor for easy reach.

Contrast Is Key

Skylights have already been mentioned, but contrast is an essential concept. Depending on the background or base color, add contrast by using lighter or darker colors on:

• Cabinet hardware and drawer pulls.
• Pillows and bathmats.
• Glasses, dinnerware, kitchen utensils and trash cans.
• Molding and doors.

Lowe's is grateful to the Center for Universal Design for their assistance in the preparation of this series of articles.

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.