What is the effect of LED light versus fluorescent light on eye health?

Doctor's Answer

Thanks for your interest in this topic. I would say that in general for normal home use, there is little to separate the practical effects of LED versus fluorescent light on the eye.

You should probably select your choice of lighting technology based on your personal preference.

In general, several factors affect most peoples decision on this.

LED lights are significantly cheaper to operate (hence considered more eco-friendly), and tends to emit warmer light in the longer wavelength spectrum (which causes less glare symptoms). It does however come with significantly higher installation and acquisition costs.

Fluorescent light is cheaper to install, however requires significantly higher energy costs to operate. It emits light that is considered more "white" across the full visible spectrum, and including into the ultraviolet light spectrum, and may cause more glare symptoms for many people.

Both forms of light can cause discomfort and even foveal damage if you look directly into a powerful light source for prolonged periods of time. The best advice is to use the light to see, instead of looking directly into the light.

ESG

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