[Nfb-krafters-korner] lighting

[Becky Frankeberger]

If you or your client have low vision and are trying to find the right lamp,
it is not likely you will find one in all the obvious places.  All the
commercial lamps that say "full-spectrum," "daylight," "white light,"
"actinic," or "cool white" will likely do more harm than good.  The desk
light and room light technology that is being pushed today contains a LOT of
UV and BLUE light.  Both of these often cause disability glare, light
blindness, or complete photophobia in people who have low vision. These are
the people who are the most likely to receive this kind of lighting, while
at the same time they are the most likely to suffer from its effects.
 
APH tackled this problem a few years ago and solved it for most folk with
low vision. The Lighting Guide Kit includes a lamp which has NO UV or BLUE
LIGHT. Blue light causes the retina and the brain to work 2,000,000,000,000
(that's two quadrillion) times harder than red light. APH engineers and
experts worked hard with Mumford Engineering to build a lamp that emitted
only light rays that were safe and appropriate for people who have visual
impairments.  It emits no UV or blue rays.  When you use it, at first it
doesn't seem very bright, but that is an illusion.  It is as bright as a
full-spectrum tube that runs on the same wattage.  But because it does not
stress the retina, it feels dimmer.  But you can see better!!!
 
I've been studying light and how it can be used to help people with visual
impairments for more than 30 years.  I have low vision myself.  I use the
lamp from the Lighting Guide Kit because it is exactly what I need to see
and to avoid photo stress.  It is available from APH.  In the spirit of full
disclosure I must say that I worked on the lamp.  I don't stand to profit
from the sale of it however.  APH is a  non-profit organization.  But I did
apply my 30 years of study and experience to get it right for people like
me.
 
It has been proven that retinal cell death occurs after only 4 minutes of
exposure to blue light.  It's even worse when there's exposure to UV light.
Let's skip all that and go straight for the right light.
 
If you'd like to receive a packet of the lighting articles I've written over
the years please  contact me by e-mail. ekitchel at aph.org   These articles
will help you learn the basics of lighting and help you make important
decisions with/for your clients.
 
Elaine Kitchel
Low Vision Project Leader
American Printing House for the Blind