Glare
LLight, Sound & Sensory Design
About This Health Driver
Glare is excessive luminance contrast in the visual field, produced by bright light sources or reflections within or adjacent to the field of view. Disability glare reduces visual performance; discomfort glare produces discomfort without necessarily reducing acuity.
How It Affects Bodies
Glare impairs visual processing by reducing the effective contrast available for pattern recognition. The visual system must process both the task and the glare source, consuming processing capacity. In individuals with reduced contrast sensitivity (from optic neuritis, demyelination, or other visual pathway damage), glare has a proportionally larger effect on functional vision.
Where It Comes From
- Direct sun through glazing - particularly west-facing windows in afternoon
- Reflective surfaces - polished floors, glossy countertops, metallic fixtures
- High-output point sources - exposed bulbs, unshielded fixtures
- Screen glare - light sources reflecting off computer monitors
How to Address It
- Matte surface finishes - flooring, countertops, and wallsInteriors
- Diffused fixtures - frosted lenses and indirect lightingElectrical
- Glare-control window treatments - adjustable, anti-glareInteriors
- Monitor positioning - perpendicular to windows in home officesInteriors