Enjoy a good book in the perfect light
What to look for when buying a reading lamp
THERE’S nothing better than relaxing in a comfy chair with a good book. With daylight hours reducing as we head into winter, we are more likely to turn to artificial light to illuminate our cherished hobbies.
But there is more to light than meets the eye.
While brightness is important to sight, light is complex and has a much more powerful impact on us than many realise.
Eyes have evolved over millions of years of living under natural light.
These days we spend 90 per cent of our time indoors under man-made artificial lighting, which lacks many of the essential qualities of natural light that help us thrive. It also brings with it adverse effects such as eyestrain, headaches, and tiredness.
Reading lights are a useful tool if you are finding it difficult to concentrate, as they can mitigate the symptoms of eyestrain and help you to stay focused in comfort for longer. Here are three considerations when looking for a reading light to meet your individual needs.
■ DAYLIGHT QUALITY: The true quality of light is judged by its closeness to the natural light spectrum.
A light that replicates daylight will aid the eye by allowing you to see colour and fine detail more clearly, and avoid the blue light spike that can negatively impact your wellbeing and circadian rhythm.
■ BRIGHTNESS: A bright light is essential if you are experiencing eyestrain or having a hard time focusing.
The older you become, the less your eyes allow light to reach the retina, so you need more light to see detail.
Too much light can also be unhelpful, so a dimmable light source is beneficial to avoid uncomfortable glare.
■ ADJUSTABILITY: A flexible arm is important. If the light you use to read is not directed onto the page properly, you’ll strain your eyes and move your body towards the light, which can have a detrimental effect on your vision and posture.