Lighting the Way for Our Aging Eyes

Aging Eyes

People 65 and older are North America’s fastest growing demographic group. Along with the rapid growth of this category comes a host of new products, services, and outreach activities, says the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). One of these is the need for home lighting designed especially for the aging eye. Here’s a primer, courtesy of IES’ Lighting Your Way to Better Vision.

The issue

As we age, even healthy eyes become more sensitive to glare and require higher contrasts and illumination levels. They also take longer to adjust to changes in light levels. The need for higher light levels means greater control of sources of light is especially important.

Compensating for our aging eyes

Installing these three types of lighting can help us adjust to changing light levels, create higher levels of light, and minimize glare:
• ambient lighting. Install fixtures that are designed to conceal the light bulb/tube from view or have a diffuser to diminish the brightness of the bulb/tube to control glare. Lighting directed to the ceiling and walls will provide ambient light. Options include fixtures installed out of sight, a light valance, wall wash fixtures, or a torchiere.
• task lighting: fixtures or portable table/floor lamps with adjustable lighting levels provide higher light levels in a specific area. Age-related changes within the eye restrict the light coming in and absorb the light, so more light is needed to compensate.
• glare-free light. Light scatters within the eye, causing greater sensitivity to glare and less ability to see subtle details at lower light levels.
Indoor modifications

When installing or upgrading lighting, introduce multiple light levels, including ambient and task lighting.
Suggestions include:
• all rooms — switches and dimming controls that are easy to reach and use
• kitchen and bathroom — undercabinet fixtures, over-the-sink fixtures, strip lighting above cabinets to reflect light off the ceiling, ceiling fixtures
• hallways and areas used at night — illuminated light switches
Place enough electrical boxes to accommodate lots of task lighting and situate them in a way that reduces the slip and trip hazards posed by trailing cords.
Outdoor modifications
Install or upgrade lighting that illuminates surface and elevation changes, and makes movement easier. For example:
• pathway lighting to illuminate steps and level changes, and compensate for porch lights, which can cause glare, and landscaping, which can block mounted lighting and create shadows.
• illuminated house numbers.

Pay special attention to exterior flights of stairs. Lighting mounted at the head of the stairs may not illuminate the entire flight. Concealed rope-lights attached to the underside of the stair rail, or solar powered or electrically powered step lights can provide additional light on stair treads. 

According to IES, the presence of “quality environmental lighting can enhance the visual experience and maintain productivity for a lifetime.” For more lighting tips, download the IES guidelines: http://www.ies.org/PDF/Education/LightingForAgingEye.pdf.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    July 14, 2025 The rules for the installation of panelboards, circuits, and bonding in Patient Care Area depends on whether the area is designated as either, Basic Care, Intermediate Care or Critical Care. How are these areas defined? Read more on Section 24 — Health care areas Read More…

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    July 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    July 14, 2025 EB Horsman & Son are thrilled to unveil a new mural at their Campbell River branch, painted by the talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Adam Lewis. “This stunning piece celebrates Indigenous heritage and our community spirit,” said EB Horsman on LinkedIn. “As we mark 125 years of serving Western Canada and 55 years in… Read More…

  • Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    July 14, 2025 “The Red Seal Journeyman designation is the highest recognition in the trades, and we’re proud to have seen so many of our team members earn it under our watch,” said Glenco Electric on LinkedIn. “At Glenco, we’re big on mentorship and promoting from within. When you combine that with driven, hard-working professionals,… Read More…

  • Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    July 14, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food… Read More…