Energy-efficient lamps soft on environment, hard on eyes

New research has shown energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are often not as bright as the claimed equivalent incandescent lamp, leading optometrists to warn about potential eye strain and fatigue.

Optometrists Association Australia is urging people to select carefully when purchasing CFLs to replace their old incandescent lamps.

Optometrists are advising consumers, particularly the elderly, to purchase CFLs labelled as the next higher wattage equivalent compared to their old incandescent lamps. A higher wattage will ensure light levels are sufficient to avoid possible eye problems and other related issues. As an example, a 60-watt lamp should be replaced with a CFL claimed as equivalent to 75 watts.

Research conducted by a team of University of New South Wales optics researchers and engineers found that most of the tested CFLs failed to live up to manufacturers' claims that they emit as much light as an equivalent 75-watt incandescent lamp.

Unclear or incorrect labelling has led consumers to purchase CFLs that produce insufficient light, says Professor Stephen Dain, optometrist and study researcher.

"Two-thirds of CFLs that are claimed to be the equivalent of a 75-watt incandescent lamp, deliver less light than expected. In some cases they only produce light equivalent of an old 60-watt lamp," says Professor Dain.

“The study showed that the community is entirely justified in their disappointment with CFLs. While significantly better in terms of energy efficiency, CFLs do not meet expectations in terms of lighting.” 

Professor Dain says that good levels of lighting are important to prevent eye strain and fatigue, particularly for the older population. Most people over 60-years-old need three times more light than when aged in their 20s, because less light reaches the retina as the eye ages.

“As poor vision is a major risk factor for falls in older people, good lighting at home can help reduce this risk. Improving lighting by selecting higher wattage lamps, especially in kitchen and stairs areas, reduces the risk of trips and falls,” according to Professor Dain.

Regular eye checks with your optometrist, wearing the correct spectacles and using effective lighting will help you make the most of your sight.

About Optometrists Association Australia: Optometrists Association Australia (OAA) is the professional association for Australian optometrists. OAA has more than 3,800 members, representing over 95 per cent of practising optometrists in Australia. For more information, visit www.optometrists.asn.au

About optometrists: Optometrists are experts in vision care who diagnose, manage and treat a wide range of vision problems, eye diseases and ocular conditions. By prescribing spectacles, contact lenses, vision aides and other treatments, optometrists help their patients maximise and retain good vision for life.