Shining a light in the darker months: Finding the right lighting for low vision

If you or someone you care about has low vision, good lighting can make a huge difference. It can help you read, cook, sew, write, move around safely, and enjoy everyday life more easily.

But not all lighting is equal. What works well for one person might not work for another. It depends on your eyes, the space you are in, and the kind of task you are doing.

What factors can affect lighting needs?

There are a few factors to think about when choosing lighting:

• Type of vision loss – Some people need bright, white light. Others find that too harsh and prefer softer tones.
• Glare sensitivity – If bright lights bother your eyes, try using warm-coloured bulbs or diffused lighting.
• Task or room – Reading, chopping vegetables, or doing puzzles all need different lighting setups.
• Natural light – Your lighting might need to change depending on the time of day or how much sunlight comes into the room.
• Flexibility – A light that you can angle or move closer can often make a big difference.

Lighting terminology in plain English

Depending on your experience, you may not have thought much about lighting beyond brightness and colour. Here are a few key terms it pays to understand:

• Lumen – This tells you how bright the bulb is. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
• Lux – This measures how much light hits a surface, like a page or a kitchen bench. More lux means more useful light. Equal to one lumen per square metre.
• Wattage – This is the amount of power the bulb uses. In the past, wattage also indicated brightness, but new energy-efficient technology has made it an unreliable measure.
• CRI (Colour Rendering Index) – This shows how well the light shows colours. A higher CRI means colours appear more true and natural.
• Colour Temperature – Measured in Kelvins (K). Lower numbers give off a warm, yellowish light. Higher numbers are cooler and bluish, like daylight.

Try a few things and see what works

You may need to try different lights in different parts of your home. The most helpful thing is to bring the light close to what you are doing and aim it so it does not shine into your eyes.

Are there any types of lighting people with low vision should avoid?

While different solutions work for different people, there are a couple of options that are generally best avoided:

• Halogen/Tungsten-Halogen bulbs: While these are bright and high-contrast, they will get very hot, and can cause discomfort.
• Full spectrum light: This option emits a lot of blue light which can be damaging in the long term. It also produces a lot of glare.

If you are not sure where to start, and if you are registered with Blind Low Vision NZ, get in touch with our Adaptive Technology Helpdesk (on our Adaptive Technology page).

You can also explore lighting designed for low vision at the explore lighting designed for low vision at the Vision Store.

OttLite LED Task Lamp
Portable desk lamp with natural daylight LEDs, built‑in handle and folding shade. Ideal for reading, crafts or hobbies around the home.

Daylight Foldi Go Rechargeable Lamp
Compact and foldable. Four brightness levels, 95+ CRI, 6000 K LED light, and up to 8 hours of battery life. Includes carry case.

Reizen Floor Lamp
Standing lamp with a flexible arm and low‑glare head. Provides strong, direct lighting for larger rooms or work areas.

OttLite Flex LED Floor Lamp
Adjustable LED floor lamp with a swivel head and flexible stem. Perfect for living rooms or shared spaces.

OttLite Craft Plus Lamp
Designed for detailed work. High brightness, swivel head, built‑in magnifier, and USB charging for convenience.

OttLite WingShade Lamp
Features a long, curved shade that spreads light evenly: ideal for reading, sewing, or computer work.

OttLite Better Vision Pro Lamp
High-output LED light with dimming and USB charging. A strong all‑rounder for home tasks.

OttLite EasyView Lamp
Sleek desk lamp with intuitive controls, flexible gooseneck, and natural daylight illumination.

OttLite Craft Lamp with Tablet Stand
Multi‑function lamp with built‑in magnifier and adjustable cradle to hold tablets—great for pattern reading or online tutorials.

Everyone’s eyes are different. Take your time. Try a few options. With the right lighting, everyday tasks can become easier and more enjoyable.

Image description: An elderly woman looking at her phone while wearing glasses.