Glare (or light pollution ) is a visual phenomenon in which excessively bright or poorly focused lighting has a disruptive effect on a person's eyes, impairing vision and causing discomfort. It can be either direct or indirect and can reduce performance, concentration, and comfort, especially in environments requiring detailed work or focus.
Types of glare
1. Direct glare
- Cause : This happens when you look directly into bright light , for example into a lamp or screen without sufficient shielding or dimming.
- Effects : It causes temporary blindness or discomfort because it overloads the eyes with light. It can temporarily reduce vision, which can be dangerous in situations such as driving or operating machinery.
2. Indirect glare
- Cause : This occurs when light from a source reflects off surfaces such as floors , walls or furniture , indirectly affecting the field of view.
- Consequences : It can be just as disruptive as direct glare, especially when the light reflects off shiny surfaces . This type of glare is common in offices with large windows or in kitchens with glass surfaces .
Causes of glare
1. Insufficient shielding of lighting
- When lamps are not properly shielded or positioned correctly, they can shine directly into the eyes, causing glare. This can happen with streetlights or desk lamps that are not properly adjusted.
2. Too high light intensity
- Overly bright lighting, for example in public spaces or work areas , can direct too much light onto the eye, leading to visual stress and discomfort.
3. Reflection of light
- Shiny surfaces such as computer screens , glass tables or smooth floors can reflect light, causing it to unintentionally enter the field of view and cause glare.
4. Inappropriate lighting in contrast to ambient light
- Glare can occur when a brightly lit room or object is contrasted with a much darker environment , making it difficult to see details clearly.
Consequences of glare
1. Reduced vision
- Glare can impair vision temporarily or permanently, which is especially dangerous during activities such as driving or working with dangerous machinery .
2. Eye fatigue and discomfort
- Prolonged exposure to glare can lead to eye fatigue , headaches and eye strain , which can affect concentration and productivity.
3. Safety risks
- In environments where accuracy and focus are required, such as in hospitals , factories or traffic conditions , glare can lead to errors and accidents .
4. Loss of contrast
- Glare reduces the ability to see differences in brightness and detail . This can be especially problematic for people who work with small print or in low light .
How to avoid or reduce glare
1. Good lighting shielding
- Ensure light sources are well shielded to prevent direct glare from reaching the eyes. This can be achieved by using shielding fixtures or diffusers that distribute the light more evenly.
2. Use of dimmed lighting
- Dimmable lighting can help adjust light intensity depending on activity or time of day, preventing glare.
3. Placement of lighting
- Strategically placed lighting can help minimize light pollution . For example, when working at a computer, it can be helpful to avoid overhead lighting and direct it toward the side of the desk .
4. Avoid reflective surfaces
- Using matte and non-reflective surfaces can help reduce indirect glare from reflections. In workspaces, matte desks, screens, and windows with anti-reflective coatings can also mitigate the problem.
5. Color temperature and contrast
- Choosing the right color temperature and lighting that isn't too bright can help reduce the contrast between lit and dark areas, preventing glare .
Using glare in designs (positive applications)
In some cases, glare can also be used intentionally for design effects . For example, in theaters or film sets, controlled lighting can create a dramatic effect by using glare to draw attention to a particular point in the scene.
Glare is therefore a crucial aspect of lighting that must be properly controlled to ensure people's well-being, especially in environments where visual comfort and safety are crucial. Controlling glare by choosing the right lighting, shading, and placement is essential for creating a pleasant and safe environment.