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you are here: Home > Toolkits > Design Principles > Choosing The Right Equipment > Lighting

Lighting

Lighting not compatible with computers is a major contributing factor to visual discomforts including eyestrain, burning or itching eyes, as well as blurred or double vision.

The lighting in most office environments is too bright for optimal VDT screen viewing. The illumination may be reduced by removing 2 bulbs in a 4-bulb fluorescent fixture, removing the bulbs in every other fixture, or turning off overhead lights altogether. Supplemental desk lighting is better than overhead lighting for reading or printed copy.


There are various lighting options which are dependant on the site specific application, so it may be worthwhile speaking to a lighting supplier to find out what fittings are right for you.

Lighting is measured in lux levels and it is important that you have sufficient lux levels for the activity that you are performing. As a rule, paper based activities require higher lux levels for reading and writing, than computer learning.

With computer learning you can benefit from lower direct lighting to reduce glare. A desk lamp which is positioned indirectly is ideal for this.