Baby Boomers - The Vision Thing.

Reading getting more difficult? Arms too short? Eyes getting tired?
The Lighting Wizard has answers.

Older eyes need more light than younger eyes, 10 to 20 times more light.
Older eyes may need color correction to compensate for yellowing of vision.

There are simple solutions to this complex problem. Some tips and links.

1) Change to compact fluorescent lamps (CFL).

More light, less wattage, less heat, lower utility bill, and 13 times longer life.
A 26 watt CFL = a 100 to 120 watt standard bulb.

No flicker, no buzzing, good to exceptional color of light, choice of wattages and shapes to fit most fixtures are the standard characteristics of today's CFLs.

Your utility may be providing free or low cost CFLs. Check their website for information.

Buy name brand CFLs. Check these sites.

www.gelighting.com see CFL information

http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/LightingForHome/

http://www.nam.lighting.philips.com/us/consumer/

2) have your eyes checked regularly to insure healthy eyes.

3) buy energy star rated fixtures when you replace older, less efficient lighting fixtures.

http://www.energystar.gov/ listings and recommendations for lighting, appliances, heating & cooling systems that are energy efficient

4) general or ambient light may need to be higher. Higher ambient light levels will reduce contrast making vision more comfortable.

CFLs are one way to increase lighting levels. Another is to install new fixtures.
Which fixtures to replace?

Any fixture where the light seems dim and a CFL does not increase light level sufficiently.
NOTE: Do not exceed the rated wattage of any fixture. Today's fixtures are designed for lower wattages than the fixtures you grew up with. Insulation above and around today's fixtures limits how much heat is safe.

Consider the wide range of dedicated (the socket only accepts a fluorescent) lighting fixtures available today. Research the many available styles available with these guidelines,

a) fluorescent with electronic High Power Ballast (HPF),
b) good control of the light produced. Are there bright spots on the glass? Do you want more or less light on the ceiling? Do you want light down for task use?
c) is it easy to change the fluorescent? Is the fluorescent readily available?
d) is the fixture bright enough?
a 32 watt fluorescent fixture can replace a 150 watt incandescent fixture.
a 13 watt twin tube fluorescent can replace a 60 or 75 watt incandescent fixture.

Fluorescents are excellent for ambient light, closets, storage rooms, and laundry rooms. They work in garages but the temperature may be too low for efficient operation.

Request a low temperature fixture and either damp or wet location rated fixtures for garages.

5) Work areas in the kitchen, and home office will need a desk light.

LED (light emitting diode) fixtures are the first choice for long life and for energy savings, the trade off is a higher purchase price.

Fluorescent fixtures are available for a wide range of uses. The high end fixtures are made to commercial standards and provide superior light control, important with home computer use.

I recommend reading, Residential Lighting: A Practical Guide Copious photos and illustrations walk you through every aspect of home lighting.