Glare

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Glare is a visual sensation caused by excessive and uncontrolled brightness. It can be caused by a very bright light such as sunlight, or by a high contrast in light intensity between light and dark areas in the field of vision. Glare can impair visibility and can be dangerous, for example when driving a car.

Types of Glare[edit | edit source]

There are two types of glare: Disability glare and Discomfort glare.

Disability glare refers to the reduction in visibility caused by intense light sources in the field of vision, while discomfort glare is the sensation of annoyance or even pain induced by overly bright sources.

Causes of Glare[edit | edit source]

Glare can be caused by several factors, including direct light, reflected light, and contrast.

Direct light glare is caused by looking directly at a bright light source, such as the sun or a bright lamp.

Reflected light glare occurs when light bounces off a reflective surface, such as a mirror or a shiny object.

Contrast glare happens when there is a large difference in brightness between light and dark areas in the field of vision.

Effects of Glare[edit | edit source]

Glare can have several effects, including reduced visibility, discomfort, and in extreme cases, temporary blindness. It can also cause fatigue, headaches, and stress, especially in situations where it is constant or recurring.

Prevention and Control of Glare[edit | edit source]

There are several ways to prevent and control glare. These include using anti-glare screens on computers and other electronic devices, wearing sunglasses or anti-glare glasses, and adjusting the lighting in the environment to reduce contrast.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Glare Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD