Home > Lighting Tips for Elderly Eyes Lighting Tips for Elderly Eyes The proper lighting for the elderly can help them see much more effectively, thus preventing accidents and making life easier and more productive. However, creating a good lighting atmosphere for the elderly eye consists of much more than simply turning up the light. In fact, bright lights can cause further damage to the aged retina, so one must be careful and do some research. Luckily, the Lighting Research Center in Troy, New York, has done extensive study on proper lighting techniques for the elderly. Here are their suggestions for proper lighting in an elderly person’s home: Increase ambient light levels Less light reaches the retina of the older eye. The light levels in living environments used by older adults should be increased by at least 50% over those comfortable for younger people. In general, ambient light levels should be at least 300 lux. Increase task area light levels At least three times more light will be required in task areas to see fine details (e.g., reading prescriptions) or low contrast objects (e.g., black thread on blue cloth). Light levels on the task should be at least 1000 lx (100 fc). Minimize glare Although more light is required for the older eye to see well, care should be taken to avoid glare. Glare is experienced when light sources or bright reflections in the field of view impair vision, or are simply uncomfortable. Increase contrast Because contrast sensitivity is reduced with age, the visibility of important objects, such as stair edges, curbs, ramps, or doorways, can be greatly improved by increasing their contrast with paint or similar techniques. Balance luminance levels: Because the older visual system cannot completely adapt to dim conditions, luminance levels in transitional spaces, such as hallways and entrance foyers, should be balanced with those of the adjacent spaces. Improve color perception Differentiating colors is more difficult for older adults. High illumination levels and high-quality fluorescent lamps, rather than conventional incandescent lamps, will help older adults to see colors well.