Reducing Glare for People with Low Vision
Glare results under normal conditions when light is too bright for the eye to comfortably adjust to. People with low vision may experience glare due to difficulty accommodating to light changes, abnormal reactions of a damaged eye to light, & decreased contrast sensitivity.
Intense light from the sun may reflect off flat surfaces in the home, causing glare indoors or on devices like the TV and computer.
Here are some tips to reduce glare in your home:
1. Position devices out of direct light
Making sure direct light does not hit the computer or TV screen can help avoid reflections caused by glare. Even slightly adjusting the angle can make a difference.
2. Use lamp shades to diffuse light
Avoid using bare bulbs, as the light intensity can be extremely high if unfiltered. Use a clean lamp shade to diffuse the light from the bulb and reduce glare.
3. Use window curtains to diffuse light
Similar to the way lamp shades help attenuate the light from a bulb, window shades or curtains can help diffuse light. Sheer curtains can help soften the light coming in through the windows, without significantly compromising brightness.
4. Cover glass tables when working on them
Glass tables or desks can cause glare when reading or writing. Covering the surface with a tablecloth can help reduce glare and improve contrast.
5. Wear indoor sunglasses
Sunglasses are important for eye protection and can improve visual function for some people with light sensitivity or who struggle to adjust to glare. They come in a variety of styles. Some sunglasses are made of polycarbonate and confer an extra layer of protection to the eye. Outdoor sunglasses should be polarized and protect from UV. Indoor sunglasses should be nonpolarized (polarized glasses are typically too dark for indoor use).
Wraparound sunglasses (sunglasses with extra shields to provide protection on the sides, top, and bottom of the face) prevent unfiltered light from entering the eyes from all directions. These are beneficial if you are very sensitive to light.
Indoor sunglasses can help reduce indoor glare without darkening the vision. This can be helpful for light sensitive individuals or in bright, reflective settings like the grocery store. Different color tints change the quality of vision. Try different styles to see which sunglasses can suit your purposes. Amber, yellow, and rose tint glasses are popular options for indoor use.