Skip to main content
Log in

Illumination research as part of a visual assessment of visually impaired individuals

  • Published:
Documenta Ophthalmologica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper we describe a method for the preliminary assessment of the illumination needs of partially sighted individuals. The method is based on determining the smallest readable lettersize under different levels of illumination. Half of the partially sighted in our population had a performance that was dependent upon the level of illumination. At the same time, most of those for whom no improvement in performance was found, did express a preference for a certain level of illumination. Therefore, there remain discrepancies between the objectively determined optimal level and the preference for a certain level. We conclude that the current method is a useful but insufficient method of determining the illumination needs of partially sighted individuals.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Hartmann E, Scheffzyk-Hagl A, Lachenmayr B. Der Einfluß von Beleuchtungsstärke, Leuchtdichte, Kontrast und Farbe auf das Sehvermogen von Patienten mit leichterer bis hochgradiger Sehbehinderung. Klin Mbl Augenheilk 1980; 177: 304–18.

    Google Scholar 

  2. LaGrow SJ. Assessing optimal illumination for visual response accuracy in visually impaired adults. Visual Impairment and Blindness 1986: 888–95.

  3. Kooijman AC, Cornelissen FW, de Jong C, Looijestijn P. Low vision rehabilitation: Improving the perception and the design of the visual environment. Proceedings of the workshop ‘The Intelligent House for the Blind’, 11–13 December 1989. Maastricht, The Netherlands, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Boyce PR. Age, illuminance, visual performance and preference. Lighting Research and Technology 1973; 5(3): 125–44.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Smith SW, Rea MS. Relationship between office task performance and ratings of feelings and task evaluation under different sources and levels. Proceedings 19th session, Kyoto. Vienna: Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage, Publication No. 50, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  6. van Berkel JAThM, Brandt Corstius H, Mokken RJ, van Wijngaarden A. Formal properties of newspaper dutch. Amsterdam: Mathematical Centre, Mathematical Centre Tracts 12, 1965.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Weston HC. The relation between illumination and visual performance. London: Medical Research Council, Report No. 87 1953. Data shown in: PM van Bergem-Jansen, P. Padmos. Een andere kijk op aanbevelingen voor verlichtingssterkte bij binnenverlichting. The Hague: Directoraat-Generaal van de Arbeid, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Cornelissen, F.W., Kooijman, A.C., Dumbar, G. et al. Illumination research as part of a visual assessment of visually impaired individuals. Doc Ophthalmol 78, 195–203 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00165681

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00165681

Key words

Navigation