In this note, we are going to learn a topic called “What is Glare in Illumination?“, and also types of glare. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Glare in Illumination?
Glare is a visual feeling caused by intense light inside the field of view that is uncomfortable or inhibits eyesight.
Characteristics of Glare in Illumination
- Glare can occur when the brightness of the light source is too high in comparison to the surroundings. High-intensity lights are more likely to cause glare.
- High contrast between the glare source and the background might amplify glare effects. This contrast may cause visual discomfort and limit vision.
- Larger light sources, particularly those that take up a considerable portion of the visual field, can cause more pain. The position of the light source in the visual field also has an impact, with sources closer to the line of sight producing more glare.
- Glare sensitivity can be affected by the sort of visual task undertaken. Glare has a greater influence on tasks that need a high level of detail or precision.
- Individual differences in eye health and vision might affect glare sensitivity. Conditions like cataracts and dry eyes can make you more susceptible to glare.
Types of Glare in Illumination
There are two types of glare –
- Discomfort Glare: Glare provides discomfort without compromising vision. It does not inherently limit visibility, but it can be irritating and tiring to the eyes.
- Example: Bright lights from oncoming traffic while driving at night, and Direct sunlight or reflections off shiny surfaces.
- Disability Glare: Glare weakens vision, reducing the ability to see details and contrasts. It reduces visual performance and visibility.
- Example: Direct sunlight shining into the eyes, making it difficult to see, and Bright headlights from an oncoming vehicle temporarily blinding a driver.