Fluorescent lighting is a common choice for lighting any office environment. It's cheap, effective and comes in a variety of styles. However, there have been numerous reports regarding eye pain and strain when in rooms lit by fluorescent bulbs.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, people experienced a significant decrease in eye pain when in an office or room using other sources of lighting, especially when in the natural sunlight.
Fluorescent Light Flicker and Eye Pain
Most fluorescent lights flicker. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, light flicker is caused by repeated changes in light intensity. This causes it to appear unsteady due to the voltage source changing and fluctuating. Fluorescent lights flicker as a result of the way they are designed to use less energy. This is why they're commonly used, though not the best for eyesight. The human eye cannot detect the flicker, yet it is harmed by it.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety says, "When objects move or rotate rapidly, they may be lit at or about the same position during each cycle or rotation. This makes objects look as if they are moving more slowly than their actual speeds. They may even appear stationary if the object is moving at the same rate as the flicker frequency (or a multiple of it)." For this reason, people's eyes are affected by the constant flicker. Fluorescent lights also cause a glare which leads to headaches as well.
Pre-Existing Eye Conditions
According to an article by Elaine Kitchel, "The Effects of Fluorescent Light on the Ocular Health of Persons With Pre-Existing Eye Pathologies," from the National Association for Adults With Special Learning Needs, people who have eye problems do actually tend to pick up on the flicker of lights from fluorescent tubes and have trouble seeing. This leads to eyestrain and pain, especially when the eye's health is already compromised.
According to the American Optometric Association, bright lights in the peripheral field of view along with fluorescent lights, may cause discomfort glare. The Association suggests that "light sources can be controlled with proper workstation and/or room design and arrangement. An acceptable lighting level may require a compromise between that amount of light needed to enhance computer screen visibility and reduce reflections and glare and that needed to perform other office reading and work tasks."
Using Rose-Tinted Glasses or Different Lighting
According to Eye Care Contacts, fluorescent lights are skewed to match the blue end of the light spectrum. Wearing rose-tinted glasses may offset the blueness ca reduce eyestrain. Using natural lighting from outdoor sunshine is the best source of light for eyes, so sitting next to windows can help reduce strain and pain.
Lisa Marie Basile - L. Basile is a professional writer and the author of three books. She is a Masters of Writing candidate and the editor of Patasola ...
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