Download Photophobia/Light Sensitivity What is

Photophobia/Light
Sensitivity
CHANGING THE NATION THROUGH INNOVATION
What is Photophobia or Light Sensitivity
Sensitivity to light is the inability to tolerate light, medically known as photophobia.
In someone who is light sensitive, any type of light source (sunlight, fluorescent
light, incandescent light) can cause discomfort. Photophobia typically causes a
need to squint or close the eyes, and headache,nausea, or other symptoms may
be associated with photophobia - Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of
Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
There are over 93 conditions that are related to or directly linked to photophobia or
light sensitivity. These include Visual Impairments, Migraine, Neurological
Disorders, Labyrinthitis, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Epilepsy, Autism, Aspergers &
ADHD and many more.
Eyestrain is related to the spectrum of light present in a workspace and the ability
of the eye to refocus. The proper integration and management of daylighting in an
office building provides the best spectrum of light for the eye. When the eye is not
allowed to refocus to different distances over long periods of time, the dilating
muscles are conditioned to a limited range of perspective, promoting near or far
sightedness. Eyestrain is diminished with landscape views through windows
because the combination of short- and long-range views allows the eye to refocus.
- (Franta and Anstead 1994).
Health Effects of Artificial Light Study – SCENIHR
Glare
The eye continuously adapts to light, which allows humans to see about 10 orders of
magnitude of illuminance, from almost total darkness to highly luminous
environments.
Nevertheless, at a given time, vision is possible and comfortable only within a two or
three order of magnitude range. Glare occurs with too much light. It is empirically
divided into two types (see Marshall and Sliney (1997) for a comprehensive review).
Discomfort glare does not impair visibility but causes an uncomfortable sensation
that causes the observer to look away from the glaring source. It increases when the
light source is facing the observer.
Disability glare is due to the light scattering within the ocular media which creates a
veil that lowers any contrast and renders viewing impossible.
High luminance light sources generate a veiling glare with a luminance which
decreases as the inverse of the angle between the direction of the point source and
the direction of the gaze. - Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified
Health Risks
Changing Working Practices

Due to changes in Health and Safety practice it
is no longer appropriate to simply turn lights off,
as this affects the overall Lux levels (lighting
levels) of the surrounding area. This now means
that people are unable to easily control the level
of light in their immediate environment which can
exacerbate their conditions. They are also not
able to control the effects lighting has when it
reflects off surfaces and other objects within
close proximity, such as computer keyboards,
screens and paperwork, as this can have just as
serious an impact on their condition.

In addition to the Health and Safety changes; to become more energy efficient
there has been an increase in the use of glass in building construction. This
allows a more efficient use of daylight which further complicates the way
individuals can control the lighting in their immediate vicinity. The removal or
limiting of light from windows with blinds can also be difficult as it can
negatively impact on other members of staff who don’t have light sensitivity.
Why SuperVisor ®

By restricting the level of light SuperVisor ® creates a more comfortable
environment for the user without impacting on the overall Lux value of their
surroundings. It is particularly beneficial to those people who are sensitive to light
or who are affected by lighting conditions.
Why SuperVisor ®
SuperVisor® is far more effective than traditional light reducing methods such as
peaked caps or shaded glasses which are often inappropriate for the
environment. SuperVisor ® is a professional solution that merely appears as a
standard piece of desk apparatus, allowing it to blend more naturally into a
working environment.
Case Studies
Migraine Sufferers
 In trials the SuperVisor ® was loaned to clients with a history of
eyestrain and migraine, we identified that through using the
SuperVisor® the impact of overhead lighting greatly reduced their
susceptibility to an ‘occurrence’
Visual Impairments
Autism/ADHD

•
A SuperVisor ® user based in an
open plan office was reporting
issues with natural light in the
morning due to the orientation
of her office, SuperVisor ®
addressed the issue with out
the need for blinds.
In trials at a call centre we
identified that the ability to block
out irritating light sources and
regular floor movement that the
immediate work environment
was dramatically improved.
Sources

Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks
(SCENHR) Study on Health Effects of Artificial Light http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr
_o_035.pdf

National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Colorado - A Literature
Review of the Effects of Natural Light on Building Occupants July 2002.
- http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/30769.pdf
SuperVisor ®
From ACE Innovation
Ace Innovation Limited
The Turbine
Shireoaks Triangle Business Park
Coach Close, Worksop
S81 8AP
Tel: 08455 199 181 Web: www.aceinnovation.co.uk
E-Mail: [email protected]
Registered in England Company No: 08071336
CHANGING THE NATION THROUGH INNOVATION