Which Type of Lighting Is Better for Your Eyes?

Warm light sources, such as natural light, are the ideal kind of light for eye health, but ensuring your evening lighting is adequate is imperative. Knowing which type of lighting is better for your eyes is essential to ensuring you maintain the well-being of your vision.

Many modern windows allow for natural light while filtering out the sun's damaging UV rays. The natural light that pours into your home from these windows is beneficial.

We understand that it's not possible to have natural light illuminating your space throughout the day, therefore, we’ve outlined how different lighting options affect your eyes.

Different Types of Light Bulbs

Light bulbs are found all over the world but the type of illumination given off may impact your eye health. It's essential to understand the different types of bulbs and how they affect how well you can see your space. Aside from this, knowing how much light is needed to brighten your area is crucial.

LED, incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are a few of the options we’re going to look at in detail—from benefits to drawbacks. Assessing our guide will equip you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your needs.

LED Lights

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights have seen a surge in interest as of late. These lights are used in various electronics and are known for being the perfect home lighting solution.

These innovative bulbs are less likely to cause eye strain than traditional incandescent light bulbs as they produce less heat and do not contain mercury. LEDs are regarded as a safer option for many who have dry eyes, glaucoma or other eye ailments.

Our team of experienced designers have used LED lights in several settings to illuminate and enhance the lives of our clientele, peruse our completed projects to see the attention to detail and passion they put into every project.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs are the most common form of lighting, however, they're also the least energy efficient. Incandescent light bulbs are generally found in old-fashioned lamps and other household fixtures. They produce a yellowish glow, which is not the best for your eyes.

While incandescent bulbs are easy to find and cheap to buy, they can be harmful to your eyes. If you look at them for long periods or stare directly at them, there’s a possibility of straining your eyes or drying them out.

Halogen Lights

Halogen lights are a type of incandescent light bulb that produces light by heating a filament inside a glass enclosure. The filament is made of a tungsten wire, which gets very hot when electricity passes through it. This produces heat and light, which is then reflected by the inner surface of the glass enclosure.

If you use halogen lights in an enclosed space or near reflective surfaces, you mustn't stare directly at them for extended periods. Staring at these bulbs has the potential to increase your risk of developing cataracts or other eye conditions over time.

CFL Bulbs

Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) are brighter than incandescent lights. If you're reading a book or doing some close-up work, a CFL bulb provides a higher level of illumination.

However, the disadvantage comes in when you’re focusing on something else such as watching TV. The extra brightness emitted from CFL bulbs tends to wash out the details on your screen or creates a glare, making for an undesirable experience.

Tips for Choosing the Right Light Bulb

At FCI London, we have the know-how to create a space that is comfortable, functional, and beautiful. We have a passion for working with clients who wish to enhance the comfort and aesthetics of their homes and offices.

There are a plethora of options when it comes to lighting. The first step is figuring out what type of bulb you need to meet your needs. Here are some of the factors to take into consideration when choosing a light bulb:

1. Wattage

The wattage of a bulb refers to how much electricity it uses. The higher the wattage, the hotter it gets and the more energy it wastes. If you have many lights on at once in your home, this might be an issue.

2. Colour Temperature

Colour temperature measures how bright or cool-coloured a light appears. It's measured in Kelvin (K) units that range from 2,200K to 6,500K—the lower end being warmer (redder) and the higher end being cooler (bluer).

The higher end has been shown to cause eye strain and increase the chances of headaches.

3. Lighting Type

There are pros and cons to each type of lighting—for example, incandescent bulbs can be more energy efficient than fluorescent lights, but they don't last as long. Fluorescent lights will last longer than incandescent bulbs, but they aren't as energy efficient. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than both incandescent and fluorescent, but they can also be expensive upfront.

At FCI London, we have an array of lighting solutions. Here are a few of our favourites:

• 265 Wall Lamp by Flos.
• Tripod Table Lamp by Kundalini.
• Fun 11DM Chandelier by Verpan.

Conclusion

Try your best to minimise your exposure to blue light after sunset by dimming it down in your home or office.

Ultimately, the choice of light bulb largely depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. We recommend trying out LED lights to avoid straining your eyes and create a comfortable living space.

We'd love to help you find the perfect lighting fixtures for your space. Book a consultation with us, chat with us on WhatsApp or visit our London showroom to discuss all your lighting requirements so we can help you illuminate and elevate your lifestyle.