Adjust Lighting & Reduce Glare

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 17, 2025
Lighting can significantly impact a person's ability to see and function comfortably, especially for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Some individuals benefit from increased illumination, while others experience light sensitivity and need reduced lighting or glare control. Because lighting needs vary widely, it is essential to individualize lighting strategies to support visual comfort and maximize functional vision.

​General Guidelines for Lighting Adjustments

  • Assess Individual Needs: What works for one person may be uncomfortable or even disabling for another. Always consult with the individual and consider input from eye care professionals, Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), or Orientation & Mobility Specialists.
  • Adapt as Needed: Adjust lighting, filters, and positioning according to the student's changing needs throughout the day or in various environments (e.g., classroom, cafeteria, playground, vocational setting).

Reducing Glare

Glare can cause visual fatigue, discomfort, and reduced visual efficiency. The ideal lighting condition involves evenly distributed, diffused light on the task without any of it reflecting directly into the eyes.
Strategies to Reduce Glare:
  • Use blinds, curtains, or window film to block direct sunlight or glare from windows.
  • Avoid shiny tabletops, desks, and laminated surfaces; use matte or textured materials instead.
  • Choose non-glossy paper for reading and assignments to improve legibility.
  • Use light-absorbing desk mats or covers to reduce glare on work surfaces.
  • Place yellow or colored acetate filters over reading materials to reduce visual stress (available at office supply stores or from assistive tech vendors).
  • Avoid placing tasks directly beneath harsh overhead lights.
  • Position lighting so it illuminates the task from the side opposite the dominant hand.

​Classroom & Work-site Illumination

  • Task Lighting: Use adjustable task lamps to provide targeted lighting for reading, writing, or close work. Choose lamps with a swing-arm or gooseneck for easy positioning.
  • Dimmable Lamps: Lamps with rheostat controls (dimmer switches) allow individuals to adjust light intensity to their comfort level.
  • Indirect Lighting: Use lampshades, diffusers, or bounce lighting off walls or ceilings to soften harsh illumination.
  • Instructor Awareness: When addressing a student, avoid standing in front of a light source that may cause backlighting or silhouette effects. Position yourself so the student can view you clearly without facing the light.
  • Allow students who are light-sensitive (photophobic) to wear hats, visors, or tinted lenses indoors if needed.

Considerations for Specific Lighting Types

​Fluorescent Lighting
  • Pros:
    • Even light distribution across large spaces
    • Cooler temperature—safer for close proximity
  • Cons:
    • May flicker, which can increase eye fatigue
    • Can create glare, especially for those with cataracts or corneal issues
  • Tips:
    • Use light filters or diffusers (e.g., egg crate covers, NaturaLux filters) to soften brightness
    • Position students away from direct glare zones
Incandescent Lighting
  • Pros:
    • Produces warm, yellow light that many find soothing
    • Tolerated well by individuals with light sensitivity
  • Cons:
    • Not always bright enough for detailed visual tasks
    • Can become hot over time
Full Spectrum Lighting
  • Pros:
    • Closest to natural daylight
    • Offers higher contrast and better color differentiation for some
  • Cons:
    • Not always available in standard classroom fixtures
    • Can be intense or uncomfortable for those with photophobia
  • Best used in adjustable task lamps rather than overhead lighting
Halogen Lighting
  • Pros:
    • High-intensity white light enhances contrast
    • Good for spot lighting specific tasks
    • More energy efficient than incandescent bulbs
  • Cons:
    • Generates heat
    • May be too bright for extended use or for those with glare sensitivity

​Environmental Modifications

  • Use louvers, banners, or light shields to minimize overhead glare.
  • Consider repositioning seating to optimize visibility in relation to both natural and artificial light sources.
  • Highlight glare-prone surfaces (e.g., whiteboards) with contrast borders or by using matte-finish materials when possible.
  • Offer access to multiple lighting environments (e.g., reading nook with dim lighting vs. work table with task lamp) to support choice and comfort.

Additional Resources...

Make Great Light sells NaturaLux fluorescent light filters. Offers fluorescent light filters that eliminate UV radiation and reduce harsh glare. Their filters help transform standard fluorescent fixtures into full-spectrum lighting, which may reduce eyestrain and improve visual clarity for individuals with low vision.
Blue Waves Professional eye health forum is digital forum for international discussion on eye health and wellness, including the effects of artificial light and blue light exposure from electronic devices

Final Tips​

  • Always consult with the student and relevant specialists before making major changes.
  • Conduct periodic lighting reviews, especially when classroom layouts or seasonal light conditions change.
  • Respect individual preferences--comfort and function should guide decisions more than standard practice.
History of vi
Visual Impairments
Vi organizations & Agencies
VI book resources
VI Professionals
Professionalism
Instructional Planning
Professional Publications
Educational Programming
Individual Learning Differences
referrals
Medical vision exams
fvlma
additional evaluations
service planning
writing goals
compensatory skills
Guiding Principles
​Functional Skills
Community Based Experiences  ​
​​Concepts to Teach 

​Access to Instruction​
Organization & Study Skills ​​
Time Management  ​​
​​​​Virtual Instruction
​Movies & Assemblies
Lectures & Instruction
Board Work (Chalk, White, etc.)
​​Daily Schedule 
Morning Meeting 
Weather Check 
Dramatic Play 
Blocks 
Numbers & Counting
Cranmer Abacus Instruction
Algebra
Geometry & Spatial Sense
Measurement & Data ​
Early Literacy Experiences  ​
​Create Tactual Books
Reading Instruction
​Reading Efficiency ​​
Science Adaptations 
Social Studies Adaptations

Communication Modes
​Accessible Educational Materials
​​Individual Schedules & Communication Cards
Adjust Lighting  
Large Print
Optical Devices for Near 
Optical Devices for Distance 
Optical Device Use ​​
​Photocopying
Font Legibility
Increase Contrast
Pictures & Worksheets 
Keyboarding ​Instruction
Word Processing and Shortcuts
​Navigate Computer w/o a Mouse
Braille Code
Braille Instruction 
​Braille Instruction Materials
Writing Braille  
​Summer Reading (braille)
Signature & Handwriting ​​
Nemeth Braille Code
​Tactile Graphics Guidelines
Creating Tactile Graphics
​Tactile Graphics Instruction
​Teacher Made Materials 
​Labeling System
assistive technology
sensory efficiency
independent living
orientation & Mobility
career education
social skills
recreation & Leisure
self determination