G Brunnström¹, S Å B Sörensen²
¹Clinical Neuroscience, Section for Ophthalmology SU/M, Mölndal, Sweden; ²Central Hospital Västerås, Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
The handicap that comes with impaired vision does not only affect the daily functions but also other factors as quality of life and wellbeing. The aim of this study was primarily to investigate the lighting effects of activity functions by partially sighted patients in their homes and secondly to study the relationship between lighting and quality of life in this group. A total of 56 patients, consecutive selected for a home adaptation of light by the Low Vision Clinic in Gothenburg, were included.
After medical investigations the lighting standard and psychosocial factors were charted. When the lighting needs were improved in the kitchen and, if necessary, also in the entrance hall and the bathroom, the group was randomised into two parts, an intervention and a control group. The lighting in the living room was improved for those included in the intervention group.
Follow-up interviewes were performed six months later. An improvement was observed for such activity functions as cutting bread, pour out a glass of water, cooking and reading the newspaper. A significant increase of life quality was observed in the intervention group compared with the control group.
The results confirm that partially sighted persons daily activity is influenced by improved lighting. The results also poitnt out the possibility to increase life quality by improved lighting conditions.
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