The way we see it

BRIGHTER IS BETTER AS WE AGE

The global aged population is at its highest level ever. As people get older, vision deteriorates. It’s a natural process of ageing.

Your eyes need three times as much light when you are 60 as when you were 20.

Age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa all increase the need for extra light around the home.

Simple lighting changes can make a dramatic impact. VisAbility is one of the leading service providers for people with low vision. We live by the motto ‘brighter is better’.

Anne from Perth is in the process of doing just that— transforming the lights around her home. A former longdistance athlete, Anne trained for the Australian team in the Commonwealth Games in the 1970s. In 1979 she won Perth’s City to Surf, completing the 12 kilometres in just under 47 minutes.

Anne’s vision loss occurred after developing necrotising fasciitis (a bacterial infection) on two separate occasions. In one 12-month period she had 63 operations and became legally blind due to advanced bilateral chorioretinal scarring. Shingles meant vision in her left eye deteriorated even further.

“I have had trips and falls, especially with steps. My current overhead lighting provides shadows, so I want to brighten up my lighting around the staircase, foyer and landing area, as well as the lounge and the kitchen,” said Anne.

Lumens and lux are the two metrics that measure light. Lux indicates the power of light. The more lux, the greater the amount of light that falls on a surface or given area. Lumens are the level of luminous flow, the amount of light emitted in all directions.

For low vision, we use lux as a measurement. The guidance is:

• Kitchen: Recommended lux levels for people with a vision impairment in the kitchen are 600. The standard is around 240. • Bedroom:

Lux levels are at 300 for a person with low vision, and the standard level is 150 for someone with regular sight. • Living area/lounge: Lux levels should be around 350 for someone who is vision impaired. Standard lux levels are 160. • Staircase: Lux levels should measure 300 for someone with vision impairment. Normal levels should be 140. Anne’s staircase is between 46 and 47 lux depending on the time of day—well short of recommended guidelines. She has already installed some bright sensor lights at the top of the stairs that come on automatically, and wants to add lights on each step to provide directional lighting and to keep the area bright.

Anne uses a spotlight to read.

There are three different types of lighting to consider to brighten a home.

General lighting should provide enough light to see and move around comfortably and safely. General lighting includes overhead fixtures, such as downlights, and should brighten the room as much as possible.

Natural light will maximise the flow of outside light into the home. Draw back curtains during the day, keep windows and netting clean, and use white or light frames.

Task lighting is is directed onto a particular spot to make it easier to complete everyday jobs. Good quality task lighting becomes more important as eyesight deteriorates. Position the lamp on the side of your strong eye, and make sure it is angled away from you. Install a low pendant light over a table where you are working and fit lights underneath kitchen cupboards.

Anne has a rechargeable folding desk lamp, a task light that she takes with her everywhere. The Triumph Rechargeable Folding Desk lamp has bright LED lights, a USB charging port and weighs less than 30 grams.

“This goes in my handbag. It’s perfect for restaurants when I am dining out or if I need extra light at my kitchen table.”

It’s simple to tailor lighting to improve daily living and make tasks easier.

Sally Grandy is Marketing & Communications Officer, VisAbility. For more information visit www.visability.com.au/fusion