What kind of lighting is best for people with
retinal diseases like macular degeneration? Researchers tell us that
ultraviolet (UV) and blue light rays may be harmful to those of us with
retinal disease, while marketers tell us that lamps with enhanced UV
will help us to see better and stay healthier. Advertisers tell us that
the intensity and range of colors offered by lamps that replicate
sunshine and daylight are necessary for best vision and visual health.
At the same time, doctors admonish us to wear blue-blocking,
UV-protective sunglasses when we go outdoors.
What’s going on? What should we believe? How can light hurt our
retinas? What are the differences between fluorescent, halogen,
neodymium, and regular incandescent lightbulbs? What do they mean by
labels such as “full spectrum” and “daylight?” To sort all of this out,
let’s begin with a definition of light and its effects on the retina.
Light is made up of electromagnetic particles that travel in
waves. Our retinas are capable of responding to only a small part of
the entire electromagnetic spectrum. From the longest waves (lowest
frequency) through the shortest waves (highest frequency), lighting
specialists identify the electromagnetic wave regions as 1) radio
waves, 2) microwaves and radar, 3) millimeter waves and telemetry, 4)
infrared, 5) visible light, 6) ultraviolet, and 7) x-rays and gamma
rays.
(Fig. 1)
As illustrated in Figure 1, the “visible light spectrum” is that
small part of the electromagnetic wave spectrum that we see as colors.
The visible light spectrum ranges from about 700nm (nanometers) to
about 400nm. In order, the colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
indigo, and violet. These are the colors of a rainbow from top to
bottom, which can be remembered by the fictitious name ROY G BIV.
The retina is a very thin, multi-layered tissue located at the
back of the eyeball. The lens at the front of the eyeball focuses light
onto it.
(Fig. 2)
As shown in Figure 3, light first enters the optic (or nerve)
fiber layer and the ganglion cell layer, under which most of the
nourishing blood vessels of the retina are located. This is where the
nerves begin, picking up the impulses from the retina and transmitting
them to the brain.
(Fig. 3)
The light is received by photoreceptor cells called rods
(responsible for peripheral and dim light vision) and cones (providing
central, bright light, fine detail, and color vision). The
photoreceptors convert light into nerve impulses, which are then
processed by the retina and sent through nerve fibers to the brain.
Until recently, the rod and cone photoreceptor cells in our
retinas have been credited with total responsibility for our light
sensitivity. Recent research, however, has shown that some of our
ganglion cells may be performing as a third type of photoreceptor
called “intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells” (ipRGC).12
These sparsely situated cells are most sensitive to blue light. They
seem to exist principally to help us differentiate between day and
night (thus modulating our "sleep/wake" cycles, known as circadian
rhythms). 345
The ipRGC have been shown to independently control dilation and
contraction of our pupils, with a peak response at the blue light
wavelength of 480nm. Some researchers have concluded through testing
that the reaction of these ganglion cells is evidence of the importance
of blue light to useable vision. An opposing view is that such
experiments are actually measuring the subject's psychological reaction
to the apparent increase in the field of view caused by the
contribution of the ipRGC. This, researchers say, may cause the subject
to interpret the environment as "brighter." Both sides agree that more
study is needed before any definite conclusions can be drawn.
Sight requires light. As years go by, accumulation of lipofuscin
(cellular debris) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may make our
retina more sensitive to damage from chronic light exposure.6789101112131415
Retinal light damage has been studied by exposing experimental animals
and cell cultures to brilliant light exposures for minutes to hours.
According to some of these studies,161718
<
A HREF="#footnote19">19
blue light waves may be especially toxic to those of us who are prone
to macular problems due to genetics, nutrition, environment, health
habits, and aging. On the other hand, acute retinal phototoxicity
experiments such as these can cause retinal injuries, but they cannot
simulate a lifetime of normal light exposure. Some researchers have
noted strong similarities between photic injury and retinal
abnormalities caused by years of overexposure to light.47484950 Others have found no similarities. 5152535455565758
Whereas the shorter wavelengths of UV-A and UV-B are somewhat filtered
by the lens and cornea, animal studies have shown that the light
spectrum from UV through blue can be harmful. During lengthy exposures
of up to 12 hours, toxicity of the retina is known to increase as the
light wavelengths grow shorter.202122232425262728293031323356 More recently, research on human fetal cell tissue has also revealed damage from blue light exposure.78
Fortunately, healthy retinas have a wide array of built-in chemical
defenses against UV-blue light damage. They bear such imposing names as
xanthophyll, melanin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione
peroxidase. And then there are the more familiar agents vitamin E,
vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. 3536373839Unfortunately, these defenses can weaken with disease, injury, neglect, and age.
Another built-in protective process is that our natural lenses
take on a yellowish tint as we age, which helps to filter blue light.5960After
cataract surgery, however, patients lose that benefit. Some doctors now
recommend replacing the damaged lens with an intraocular lens (IOL)
that is tinted to block blue light.79 The patient should be made aware, however, that this procedure will diminish scotopic (night) vision.6162
According to the CVRL Color & Vision database,63
light waves measuring approximately 470nm to 400nm in length are seen
as the color blue. The blue bands of the visible light spectrum are
adjacent to the invisible band of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV is located
on the short wave, high frequency end of the visible light spectrum,
just out of sight past the color violet. It is divided into three
wavelengths called UV-A , UV-B, and UV-C. The effects of UV-C
(100nm-290nm) are negligible, as the waves are so short they are
filtered by the atmosphere before reaching our eyes. UV-A (320nm-400nm)
and UV-B (290nm-320nm) are responsible for damaging material, skin, and
eyes, with UV-B getting most of the blame.
When light hits a photoreceptor, the cell bleaches and becomes
useless until it has recovered through a metabolic process called the
“visual cycle.” 3031
Absorption of blue light, however, has been shown to cause a reversal
of the process in rodent models. The cell becomes unbleached and
responsive again to light before it is ready. This greatly increases
the potential for oxidative damage, which leads to a buildup of
lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer64
(see Fig. 3). Drusen are then formed from excessive amounts of
lipofuscin, hindering the RPE in its ability to provide nutrients to
the photoreceptors, which then wither and die. In addition, if the
lipofuscin absorbs blue light in high quantities, it becomes
phototoxic, which can lead to oxidative damage to the RPE and further
cell death (apoptosis).65
Blue light is an important element in "natural" lighting, and it may also contribute to our psychological health.7172Research,
however, shows that high illumination levels of blue light can be toxic
to cellular structures, test animals, and human fetal retinas.56666768697078798081 (Also see "Random Quotes"
below.) The industry has established standards for protecting us from
extremely bright light and from UV radiation; but no standards address
the blue light hazard that may be affecting millions of us who have
retinal problems. Blue light is a duplicitous character who needs to be
carefully watched. Until research proves him to be either a friend or a
foe, we need to educate ourselves so that we may make decisions based
upon the facts.
The next section defines the terms used in the lighting industry.
Knowing the language will help a great deal with our understanding.
If you would like to skip to the next section, click here
The CRI of a lamp is a number from 20 (effectively) to 100 that
describes how well the lamp’s light emission affects the appearance and
vibrancy of an object’s color. It is determined by comparing the lamp
with a reference source of the same Kelvin temperature (see below).
Kelvin (K):
Kelvin is the basic un
it of measurement for temperature. 0 Kelvin = -273.15° centigrade. The
Kelvin temperature rating is based on the color most highly emitted. It
does not express the range of a lamp’s light spectrum or the strength
of it’s illumination (radiant power).
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT):
The CCT number is a measurement of the actual color appearance of
light. It is expressed in Kelvins. Low CCT numbers define “warm”
lighting, like the yellow and red hues of candlelight at 1500K. High
CCT numbers define “cool” lighting, like a clear blue sky at 12000K.
Actual light that we see measures from a low of 2000K to a high of
7500K.
Footcandle (fc) and LUX (lx):
FC and LX are unit's of illuminance(light on a surface).
1fc=lm/ft2. 1lx=lm/m2. 1fc=0.0929lx. 50 footcandle is generally
considered sufficient for most tasks.
Lumen (lm):
A lumen is the standard unit of luminous flux (the time rate of
flow of radiant energy). This is a measurement at the light source (the
lamp), not necessarily at the surface being lit.
Nanometer (nm):
A nanometer is the extremely small unit used to measure lengths of light waves.
A single nm equals one billionth of a meter.
Watt:
A watt is a unit of power equal to work done at the rate of one
joule (approximately 0.738 foot pounds) per second. Wattage is actually
a measurement of energy, not of light.
If you would like to skip to the next section, click here
First, what is a lamp?
Contrary to popular usage, a lamp is neither a fixture that holds
a lightbulb or tube, nor is it “a light.” A lamp is the lightbulb or
tube itself, which is contained in the lighting “fixture” (or
“instrument”). Light is the energy that emits from the lamp. Only
incandescent lamps, by the way, should rightfully be called lightbulbs,
due to their bulbous (i.e. fat and round) shape.
Full-Spectrum (FS):
Technically, there is no such thing as a true full spectrum lamp,
but the term is used to define a light source with a CCT of 5000K or
higher and a CRI of 90 or higher. FS lamps are fluorescent, and they
often have enhanced levels of UV. Only lamps that meet these
specifications should be called FS.
Fluorescent:
This type of lamp is a phosphor-coated tube filled with mercury
and argon vapor. Phosphors in lamps are rare earth compounds of various
types that glow during absorption of light radiation. An electrical
current discharged into the vapor causes the phosphor to glow
(fluoresce). Fluorescent lamps require an electrical component (a
“ballast”) to create the arc that excites the gas. The type and blend
of phosphors used in the coating determine the color of the emitted
light.
Fluorescent tubes containing the older halophosphate type
phosphors emit light that is high in the blue spectrum. The phosphors
increase the wavelength of the invisible UV rays enough to convert them
into visible light beginning at 400nm. In common fluorescent tubes, UV
rays are blocked mostly by the glass enclosure, protecting us to some
extent from those harmful wavelengths. The blue light, however, passes
through unimpeded.
Most fluorescent tubes now use a triphosphor mixture, based on
europium and terbium ions, which more evenly distributes over the
visible light spectrum. With a blend of phosphors designed for a CCT of
5000K-6500K, these lamps come close to imitating the colors of
daylight. Blue light is an important component of that mixture, so the
470nm-400nm band is not only unfiltered, it is often enhanced in the
manufacturing.
Incandescent:
Commonly known as a lightbulb, an incandescent lamp contains a
tungsten filament in a vacuum. An electrical current causes the
filament to glow (incandesce), while the absence of oxygen keeps it
from burning up.
Neodymium:
This is a natural heavy metal element used as a coating on the
inside of some light bulbs. It filters out the yellow spectrum, thus
creating a CRI closer to that of daylight. Neodymium bulbs, therefore,
are often marketed as one of the types of modified-spectrum lamps, but
they should not be confused with FS lamps.
Tungsten Halogen:
Also called halogen, this lamp contains a filament made of
tungsten, so it is a type of incandescent lamp. It is different than an
incandescent lightbulb, however, in that it contains a gas called
halogen. Halogen recycles the burned particles of the tungsten,
constantly rebuilding the filament and giving it a longer life. Halogen
burns very hot and bright, so it can be a safety hazard if not properly
used.
With growing evidence that both UV and blue light damage the
retinas of us who are affected by, and at risk of, retinal disease, we
should do everything possible to avoid aggravating our condition. We
should arm ourselves with good information and educate ourselves
against the advice of marketers who may not be familiar with (or who
ignore) the possible hazards.
Manufacturers promote FS lamps as more conducive to seeing than
traditional lighting systems, based upon the belief that we see best
outdoors on a bright cloudless day. That assumption is disputed by
others who suggest that better vision under such conditions may be a
result of increased light intensity and uniformity rather than color. I
am unaware of any studies that have tested this hypothesis. Part of the
reason for that paucity may be because FS lamps are difficult to define
and compare. The essence of daylight is constantly changing as Earth
moves in relation to the sun, and varied atmospheric conditions
throughout the world measure differently.73
In view of such variables, "daylight" is a vagarious term with no
standard scientific definition, so it really has no meaning in the
lighting market. "Daylight" is actually a pejorative term to most low
vision people, as it is a condition that we try to avoid.
We inarguably see better in the light of day than in the dark of
night. A good deal of research is showing, however, that the light of
day (i.e. high in the UV-blue spectrum) may be deleterious to the
retinas of people like us. Since light is both practical and desirable,
we need to enjoy its benefits but, at the same time, protect ourselves
from potentially accelerated vision loss. Just as we shield our skin
from prolonged sunlight, it makes sense that we should also shield our
eyes when outdoors. Until good science provides more definite answers,
we might also be wise to not bring the sun into our houses and place it
on our desktops.
As discussed above, a growing body of research suggests that
people who are at risk of retinal deterioration should avoid spending
extended periods of time with unprotected ey
es
in daylight environments with a CCT of 5000K or higher (the range of
the visible blue light spectrum), especially when that light is at high
intensity, as in direct sunlight.
In an attempt to learn more about such products currently
on the market, I have gathered data on 19 high-intensity lamps offered
by 12 companies during the year 2004. I have listed the CCT, CRI, type
of lamp, and advertised descriptions for each, and then drawn
conclusions from that information. I have relied upon the accuracy of
each company’s CCT and CRI measurements as published, and I take no
responsibility for inaccuracies due to manufacturers’ oversight or
misrepresentation.
Survey of Full Spectrum and Daylight Lamps on the Market as of December 31, 2004
Balanced Spectrum by firstStreet (formerly TechnoScout)
CCT: 6500K
CRI: 82-84
Type: Neodymium
Described as contributing to vision health.
BioPure Full Spectrum Light Bulb (marketed by Joseph Mercola, D.O.)
CCT: 5500K
CRI: 93
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum."
Advertising recommends not filtering any of the
visible or UV spectrum: "Unfiltered sunshine is important. If you are
wearing glasses or sitting in front of a window, some of the 1500
wavelengths present in sunshine will not reach your retina and nourish
your brain."
"Bright As Day!" Desk Lamp (Sharper Image Design)
CCT: 5000K
CRI: 91
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "wide spectrum" and "daylight spectrum."
Chromalux by Truesun
CCT: 5000K
CRI: 50
Type: Neodymium
Described as contributing to vision health.
Advertising implies that it is a “full spectrum”
lamp. Quote: "...provides bright light that closely mimics the spectrum
of Natural Sunlight (infrared, visible spectrum and beneficial U.V.A.
rays)."
Coil-Lite Compact Fluorescent by True Sun
CCT: 6500K
CRI: 82
Type: Fluorescent
Described as “full spectrum” lamp.
Full Spectrum (VisionMax) by Tensor
CCT: 6500K
CRI: 84
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp.
Advertising quotes: "True-to-life colors." "Vivid
contrast." "The ultimate natural daylight lamp." "Replicates sunshine
indoors." "Especially for aging eyes."
Life-Lite by True Sun (replaces Vita-Lite by Duro-Test Light Corp.)
CCT: 5500K
CRI: 91
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp.
Lumichrome 1XX by True Sun
CCT: 6500K
CRI: 98
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp.
Advertising quote: "...replicates the characteristics of diffused natural sunlight."
Neolite light bulbs by Full Spectrum Solutions
CCT: 4800K
CRI: 95
Type: Neodymium
Described as "full spectrum" lamp (contrary to standard definition).
Advertising quote: "...similar to true daylight."
Ott-Lite (Developed by Vita-Lite)
CCT: 5000K
CRI: 79-82
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp.
Described as contributing to vision health.
Advertising quote: “the next best thing to natural daylight.”
Paralite-Maxum 5000 by Full Spectrum Solutions & True Sun
CCT: 5000K
CRI: 88-91
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp.
Paralite-Spectra 5900 by Full Spectrum Solutions & True Sun
CCT: 5900K
CRI: 93
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp.
PureLite by Natural Lighting
CCT: 5000K
CRI: 90
Type: Neodymium
Phillips TL 90 Series-T8 Fluorescent Lamps by Full Spectrum Solutions & True Sun
CCT: 5000K
CRI: 98
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp.
Sunlight Lamp by Bell & Howell
CCT: 6500K
CRI: 80-82
Type: Fluorescent
Description as "full spectrum" or “daylight” lamp is implied by its name.
UltraLux by Full Spectrum Solutions
CCT: 5500K
CRI: 91+
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp. Doubles as therapy lamp by tilting to shine directly on the user.
Verilux Happy Eyes
CCT: 5500K
CRI: 80-82
Type: Fluorescent
Description as “full spectrum” and “daylight” lamp
implied in advertising: "natural spectrum," "simulating daylight," and
"sunshine in a box."
Described as beneficial to patients with computer vision syndrome.
Vita-Lite by Natural Lighting
CCT: 5000K
CRI: 79
Type: Fluorescent
Described as simulating full color and UV spectrum.
Vita-Lite Plus by Natural Lighting
CCT: 5500K
CRI: 91
Type: Fluorescent
Described as "full spectrum" lamp
Advertising quote: "Enhanced with UV and blue-green phosphors"
A commercial
market will inevitably grow around any human condition with profit
potential. For the best protection of our health and our pocketbooks,
we must be vigilant about the facts and skeptical about anything that
doesn’t pass the test of reason. At first hearing, for example, “Bright
daylight is good for the eyes,” seems to make sense. But if that is so,
then . . .
1. Why do my pupils constrict in bright light?
2. Why am I temporarily blinded by flash cameras?
3. Why do skiers go "snow" blind?
4. Why shouldn’t I look at the sun?
5. Why does my doctor recommend wearing wraparound, UV-protective, blue-blocker sunglasses?
Seven of the surveyed
companies actually advertise their FS lamps as good for eye health. As
educated folks, common sense should tell us otherwise; but as human
beings, our common sense can sometimes be overridden even by people
with the best of intentions.
My grandmother warned, “Turn on the light. You’re going to ruin your eyes.”
I asked why, and she said, “Reading in the dark makes them work too hard. They’ll wear out.”
Fifty years later, after becoming visually-impaired in spite of
my grandmother’s well-meaning reprimands, I discovered that her reply
to my “why” should have been, “Because you will be able to see better.”
Now that makes more sense. My eyes don’t work any harder at
seeing in the dark than do my ears at hearing soft music. Actually, the
demand on my photoreceptor cells increases as the light grows brighter.
This may prove harmful to the vision of people with retinal problems,
so I might be smart to reach a compromise between “enough light to see
by” and “too much light.”
The condition of our individual retinas determines the level of
light we need. A person with early-stage macular degeneration can
usually read well enough under standard lighting. A person with
advanced-stage macular degeneration, however, requires higher
illumination and contrast. Ironically, many of us are also
photosensitive. We need bright lighting, but lamps that replicate
sunshine might not only hasten our sight loss, they cause us
significant discomfort. “Enough light to see by” cannot be standardized
for people like us.
As we have seen, a growing body of research shows that the
shorter electromagnetic waves of the light spectrum from blue (also
called near-UV) through ultraviolet may harm us. One study even
suggests that lower color temperature (i.e. reduced blue light)
optimizes the reading rate of people whose visual abilities have been
lessened due to ARMD.74
Another recent study of the Chesapeake Bay watermen reported a
significant association between blue light and age-related macular
degeneration.7576
In view of this kind of scientifically-based evidence (no matter how
small or large the studies might be), people who are at risk for
retinal degeneration should consider avoiding light sources measuring
higher than 5000K at high intensity.
Lamps that imitate daylight and sunlight are said to help us see
better, and some are credited with helping to improve our mood. They
will, however, neither improve the health nor extend the life of our
retinal cells, a scientifically unsupported implication made by some
manufacturers. Lamps such as these may be helpful for people with
healthy eyes, but those of us who aren't so lucky should think twice.
Even if we ignore the blue light issue, which is still under debate, we
can easily find major research showing simply that sunlight in general
is a possible causative element in several retinal diseases, from
retinopathy of prematurity to age-related macular degeneration.7719. This kind of evidence alone should be enough to make those who are already visually-impaired wary of FS lamps.
During my survey, I came across a distributor who has established
an important precedent by publicly recognizing potential optical risks
associated with high levels of blue light. The company is Sunnex Biotechnologies,
makers of the Lo-Light Therapy Lamp (a safe low-intensity lamp that
screens out blue light). Here is a cautionary statement that I have
devised based upon information from their web site. It might serve as a
model for makers of FS lamps to follow:
CAUTION: This lamp emits strong blue light wavelengths (470nm - 400nm),
which have been shown in some studies to harm the retina. You may want
to avoid prolonged use of this product if . . .
you are taking photosensitizing
medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), most
antidepressants, some antibiotics, diuretics, and beta-blockers and
other heart medications;
you have a pre-existing ocular condition such as macular degeneration;
you are diabetic or otherwise at risk for retinal damage; or
Several lamp manufacturers provide products that offer intensity,
contrast, and good color replication without the high color
temperatures of full spectrum lamps. Listed below are examples of
bright desk lamps and task lamps on the market with CCTs below 5000K.
Until we have more conclusive research, these and similar products
represent the safest I have found so far for low vision people.
LazLight Task Lamp (www.lazlight.com)
CCT: 3000K
CRI: 99
Type: Halogen with dimmer
Described as "high performance white light."
Described as "brightest-available high-contrast true-color task lamp."
Described as "350% more light . . . with no damaging blue light radiation."
RobinSpring32 Desk Lamp, distributed by the National Association for Visually Handicapped (www.navh.org)
CCT: 3200K
CRI: unknown
Type: Compact Fluorescent
Described as "glare and shadow free."
Advertising quote: "Designed to minimize the visual work involved in reading but still be affordable."
SoLux Task Lamp and Solux Touch-On Dimmable Lamp (www.solux.net)
CCT: 3500K - 4700K
CRI: 98-99
Type: Halogen and halogen with dimmer
Described as "daylight" lamp.
Described as "closest to true spectrum" with no UV or IR radiation.
&n
bsp; To demonstrate the differences in lamp types, I acquired and
compared six of the lamps mentioned in this paper. The demonstration
was designed for an exhibit at the 2005 meeting of the Academy for
Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and at other gatherings of
researchers, eye care professionals, and patients. In this section of
the paper I will describe the display and discuss the most typical
observations that have been made by viewers.
MD Support display at the 2005 convention of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
The lamps are each placed to shine into individual sections of a
6-foot long display unit. All lamp heads are equidistant from the
surface and shining at maximum power. They each illuminate posters that
display the following content:
Identical photos of a predominantly blue mountain scene.
Actual pages from a typical telephone directory.
A graphic of each lamp's spectral distribution curve of radiant power overlaid on an image of the visible color spectrum.
Name and description of each lamp, including the CCT, CRI, type, and retail cost.
Sample poster:
Procedure
The viewer is instructed to:
Observe each lighted section with the naked eye and then through an amber-colored gelatin sheet or 100% blue-blocker lenses.
Note the differences in terms of light intensity, contrast, color, and general effect.
Compare each illuminated area to its own spectral distribution curve.
Typical Observations and Discussion
"Some lamps are bluer."
Blue light emission becomes more apparent as correlated color
temperature (CCT) increases for each type of lamp. The blue light
intensities of the lamps can be compared by viewing the posters through
the amber gel provided or through 100% blue-blocker lenses. Where the
CCT is low (lamps 1-2), blue appears gray and black. As the CCT
increases from lamps 3 through 6, the blue portions appear increasingly
brighter as the color green.
"Some lamps are brighter."
When all are at full power, the fluorescent lamps 4-6, are less
intense than the incandescent lamps 1-3. The high amount of blue in the
light of lamps 4-6 deceives the brain into interpreting them as
"bright" until they are observed side by side with the incandescents.
Incandescent lamps like 1-3 are capable of several times the
intensity of fluorescent lamps like 4-6, and there is little danger of
reaching hazardous blue light levels. If the intensities of lamps 4-6
were increased to match the obviously stronger output of lamps 1-3, the
amount of blue light would also increase, compounding the potential
hazard to the retina. The only way to safely increase the intensities
of lamps 4-6 to match that of lamps 1-3 would be to significantly
decrease the blue and UV wavelengths. Such lamps, however, could then
no longer be called full-spectrum or daylight.
"Some of the lamps are too bright for me."
Some incandescent lamps, like 2, have dimmers, which allow users
to adjust the intensity to various comfort levels. Fluorescent lamps do
not normally have dimmers, but they can be found.
"Some lamps provide more contrast."
Contrast diminishes with increasing CCT. Because of their
"blueness," lamps 5-6 provide noticeably less contrast than lamps 1-4.
The best contrast is achieved by the opposites of black and white, and
that cannot be done with blue light.
"Some lamps are too intense for my eyes."
Lamps 5-6 are not as easy on the eyes as lamps 1-4. Because of
its "blueness," a cloudless day at noon (i.e. "daylight" at 5000K) is
not as comfortable for our eyes as the warmer colors of late afternoon.
Lamps 1-3 emit light closer to the warm yellow and orange end of the
visible color spectrum, with lamp 3 being the "whitest," due to its
relative evenness across the visible spectrum.
"The best and safest type of lamp seems to be a standard
incandescent light bulb, followed by halogen incandescent. So why spend
more for a halogen lamp?"
Standard incandescent light bulbs (eg. Phillips Type A) cost more
to operate, and they have significantly shorter life spans. Also, they
emit yellowish light, whereas the light from a halogen incandescent
lamp is whiter. White light is preferred for better color replication
by professional crafters, photographers, and artists. People with low
vision from retinal disease need white light for the same reason.
"Why is there such a difference in the prices?"
The cost of the lamps themselves (the lightbulbs and tubes) is
similar for like-models. The quality of the fixtures holding them
actually determine the bulk of the cost. Some fixtures are plastic,
some are steel. Some have dimmers, some don't. Some are designed to
complement a decor, some are merely functional. Some are made to last,
some are not.
"The halogen, standard incandescent, and warm-colored fluorescent lamps provide the best lighting."
This reflects the opinion of virtually every viewer who has
compared the lamps side-by-side. 100% of more than 150 doctors surveyed
at the ARVO convention concur that the three display lamps measuring
below 5000K provide the best illumination, contrast, and color
replication. Their conclusion was reached notwithstanding the blue
light issue. Even those who do not align with the research agree that
low vision patients should be guided away from full spectrum lamps if
only because of the comparatively poor quality of light emitted.
The message from the low-vision community is simple:
1. Include a warning if the product presents a potential blue light hazard for people with retinal disease.
2. Provide accurate and complete specifications and descriptions so the consumer can make educated comparisons.
In view of the expanding volume of research, plus the increasing number
of people diagnosed with retinal disease each year, I hope all
manufacturers will voluntarily join us and our eye care specialists in
this education effort. Modern lighting technology can help us to see
better, but only through clear and honest marketing will the liability
for our decisions be ours alone.
Random Quotes Cautionary Statements From The Literature
"
...people with the highest levels of exposure [to UV-A, UV-B, and blue light] in the middle of the day had
two fold increased risks of AMD. Our results showing th
e increased risk from high exposures to solar radiation underline the importance of ocular protection in European populations." Augood, C. et al. Age-related maculopathy and macular degeneration in elderly European populations: the EUREYE study, 2004.
"The photoreceptors in the retina . . . are susceptible to damage by
light, particularly blue light. The damage can lead to cell death and
diseases." Shaban H, Richter C. A2E and blue light in the retina:
the paradigm of age-related macular degeneration. Biol Chem 2002
Mar-Apr;383(3-4):537-45.
"The effectiveness of light in inducing photodamage to the retina increases with decreasing wavelength from 500 to 400 nm."
Andley UP,? L.T. Chylack Jr LT. Recent Studies on Photod
amage to the Eye with Special Reference to Clinical and Therapeutic
Procedures. Photodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine 1990;
7:98-105.
". . . when albino rats were exposed to either monochromatic blue
light of 403 nm . . . or monochromatic green light of 550 nm . . .
massive apoptotic cell death occurred after illumination with blue
light." Remé et al. Apoptosis in the Retina: The Silent Death of Vision C E. News Physiol Sci 15: 120-124, 2000.
". . . continuous exposure to blue light is potentially dangerous to vision."
Koide R, Ueda TN, Dawson WW, Hope GM, Ellis A, Somuelson D, Ueda T,
Iwabuchi S, Fukuda S, Matsuishi M, Yasuhara H, Ozawa T, Armstrong D.
Nippon. Retinal hazard from blue light emitting diode. Ganka Gakkai
Zasshi. 2001 Oct;105(10):687-95.
". . . high levels of exposure to blue or visible light may cause
ocular damage, especially later in life, and may be related to the
development of age-related macular degeneration." Taylor HR, West
S, Munoz B, Rosenthal FS, Bressler SB, and Bressler NM. The Long Term
Effects of Visible Light on the Eye. Archives of Ophthalmology 1992;
110:99-104.
"I think chronic blue light is probably damaging." Joshua Dunaief, MD, in Bethke W. Should We Block The Blue. Review of Ophthalmology Oct 15 2003; 10(10).
"Increased risk of AMD may result from low levels of lutein and
zeaxanthin (macular pigment) in the diet, serum or retina, and
excessive exposure to blue light." Bone RA, Landrum JT, Guerra LH,
Ruiz CA. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Dietary Supplements Raise Macular
Pigment Density and Serum Concentrations of these Carotenoids in
Humans. Journal of Nutrition 2003 Apr;133(4):992-8.
"The high-energy segment of the visible region (400-500 nm) is
enormously more hazardous than the low energy portion (from 500-700
nm)." Young RW. Solar Radiation and Age Related Macular Degeneration. Survey of Ophthalmology 1988; 32(4): 252-269.
"Visible light of short wavelength (blue light) may cause a
photochemical injury to the retina, called photoretinitis or blue-light
hazard." Okuno T, Saito H, Ojima Evaluation of blue-light hazards from various light sources. J. Dev Ophthalmol. 2002;35:104-12.
"[The] Action spectrum for blue-light induced [retinal] damage shows a maximum at 400 nm and 450 nm."
Bartlett H, Eperjesi F. A randomised controlled trial investigating the
effect of nutritional supplementation on visual function in normal, and
age-related macular disease affected eyes: design and methodology.
Nutrition Journal 2003, 2:12.
"Because sunlight and many high-intensity artificial light sources
contain relatively high proportions of blue, and the retina as well as
pigment epithelium contain several types of blue-absorbing molecules,
the short-wavelength band of the visible spectrum may contribute to the
pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and amplify some forms
of inherited retinal degeneration." Remé CE, Wenzel A, Grimm G,
Iseli HP. Mechanisms of Blue Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration and the
Potential Relevance for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Inherited
Retinal Diseases SLTBR Annual Meetings Abstracts 2003.
". . . the photon catch capacity of the retina is significantly
augmented during blue-light illumination, which may explain the greater
susceptibility of the retina to blue light than to green light.
However, blue light can also affect function of several
blue-light-absorbing enzymes that may lead to the induction of retinal
damage." Grimm C, et al. Rhodopsin-Mediated Blue-Light Damage to
the rat Retina: Effect of Photoreversal of Bleaching. Invest Ophthalmol
Vis Sci 2001 Feb;42(2):497-505.
"It is not too harsh to state that virtually all persons with vision
problems should be removed from a light environment where the
predominant light waves are a temperature above 3500K or a wavelength
less than approximately 500 nm." Elaine Kitchel, M.ED.VI. The
effects of fluorescent light on the ocular health of persons with
pre-existing eye pathologies. American Printing House for the Blind,
2000.
"Exposure to the eye to intense light, particularly blue light, can
cause irreversible, oxygen-dependent damage to the retina. We have
found that illumination of human retinal pigment epithelium cells
induces significant uptake of oxygen that is both wavelength and age
dependent...and contribute to the development of age-related
maculopathy." Rozanowska M, et al. Blue light induced reactivity of
retinal age pigment. Journal of Biological Chemistry 1995;
270(32):18825-18830.
". . . blue light induces apoptosis in human fetal RPE cells."
E.M. Gasyna, K.A. Rezaei, W.F. Mieler, and K.A. Rezai. Blue light
induces apoptosis in human fetal retinal pigment epithelium. Invest.
Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2005 46: E-Abstract 248.
I am grateful to the following people for their
professional guidance and commentary in the writing of this paper. The
opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect their positions on
the issues presented.
Roy Cole, O.D., F.A.A.O. (Director of Vision Program Development, The Jewish Guild for the Blind)
Robert Hammer, B.Optom., M.Sc. (Petah Tikva, Israel)
Kurt Heinmiller (MIESNA, Photometry Specialist SESCO Lighting, Inc., Fort Lauderdale FL)
Martin A. Mainster, Ph.D., M.D., FRCOphth. (Professor
and Vice Chairman/Director of Macula Service, Department of
Ophthalmology, University of Kansas Medical Center)
Lylas G. Mogk, M.D. (Chair of the American Academy of
Ophthalmology Vision Rehabilitation Committee. Medical Director, Henry
Ford Health System Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Grosse
Pointe and Livonia MI)
Donald G. Pitts, O.D., Ph.D. (Professor Emeritus of
Optometry and Physiological Optics, University of Houston College of
Optometry)
Charlotte E. Remé, Ph.D. (Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich)
Michael Terman, Ph.D. (Professor, Department of
Psychiatry, Columbia University. President, Center for Environmental
Therapeutics, New York NY.)
Reviews:
". . . a very well
written article and well understandable for lay people."
(Charlotte E. Remé, Ph.D., Prof., Dept. of Ophth.,
Univ. of Zurich)
". . . compelling
and provocative." (Michael Terman, Ph.D., Prof., Dept. of
Psychiatry, Columbia Univ., President, Center for Environmental
Therapeutics)
"You make an excellent point regarding the toxicity of blue light and
the failure of most manufacturers to recognize this and address it."(Richard Rosen, M.D., Director of Resident Training NY Eye & Ear Infirmary)
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