5 ms·
My eyes hurt whenever I look at the new streetlights, like I was looking into the microwave or something...
by diotro 8y ago
My eyes hurt whenever I look at the new streetlights, like I was looking into the microwave or something...
- DenisM 8y agoLEDs are point light sources, of course they hurt - each dot is very bright in order to produce enough light overall. By comparison CFLs produce a lot less glare for the same light output, being basically light-emitting surfaces rather than dots. If an LED light is expected to be in the field of view they install diffusers over LEDs. Diffusers, however, absorb some of the light and spread the rest across wider angle, so they don't get installed unless needed. For the street light you'd want a narrow beam (facing straight down) and a maximum light output (to save energy along, which adds up quickly for long roads).
- shmerl 8y agoWhoever came up with LED lights for it didn't do enough research, since they are quite damaging to the eyes.
- Zak 8y agoLEDs are not inherently damaging to the eyes. You may be referencing "blue light hazard", for which evidence is neither rigorous or unequivocal. Assuming blue light is damaging, white LEDs need not have more blue in their spectrum than other white light sources such as incandescent, fluorescent, and gas discharge. Higher color temperate LEDs with more blue in their spectrum are commonly seen though, as their efficiency numbers are a bit better than lower color temperatures.
- shmerl 8y agoI'm talking about actual usage. Extremely bright, white LEDs. They should have used softer lights.
- Zak 8y agoI'm not sure what "softer" means. You could mean a lower color temperature (less blue, more yellow), lower output, or a diffuser over the emitters. All of those are commonly used in real LED-based lighting installations.
- shmerl 8y agoI don't find it common. There was a recent comparison of photos from the past and current street lights. Current ones are way more white.
- DenisM 8y agoIn what situations and in what ways?
- Zak 8y agoIt's also common for new installations to have higher output than what they replace, and higher color temperatures that are perceived as harsher. While I have no problem with LEDs as a light source, I do oppose an overall increase in always-on outdoor illumination, and would generally prefer lower color temperatures used for that purpose.
- MisterTea 8y agoI think you need to stop staring into microwave ovens.