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Is LED Light Good for Reading?

Indeed, it will always be valuable for you to be cautious about your health. And your eyes can never be an exception at this point. As such, it will be vital to be careful about the light you use when reading. It is through this that you will shun from exposing them to undue stress in the long run. Then question comes: Is led light good for reading?

That LEDs are rapidly becoming favorites across the world is no news. We could attribute this to how long they tend to stay and their energy efficiency. However, the biggest concern is whether they offer a conducive environment for reading. Here are a few insights for you to keep in mind.


Are LEDs Friendly to Readers?

It would suffice to mention that the LED market prides itself on multiple variants of LEDs. That implies that you will effortlessly get one that suits your environment or task. Reading is one such task.

Studies indicate that LEDs are directional sources of light, which means that their emission takes specific directions. This single direction plays a significant role in ensuring that you get a safe environment for reading. In brief, LEDs are perfect for those who want to read.

However, you will find that these LEDs come in different colors and light temperatures. Unless you pay attention to these variables, you will have trouble reading.

Remember, these two aspects will have a critical impact on how bright your lights will be. With the wrong light or color, you will end up with constant eye strain or a poorer sleep cycle.


For Reading, Is an LED Light or Lamp the Best Option?

is led light good for reading

When it comes to reading, a high-quality incandescent lamp and LED are considered the best options.

  • Incandescent Lamp

This is because the incandescent lamp is a source of electricity that is closest to natural light. Often, their color temperature is between 2,700K and 4,000K. With the frequency of the grid being 50HZ, a much higher than human eye response as well as filament will be ignited to the cooling for a while; thus, in case of power grid stability, you can ignore the strobe.

Furthermore, it has an incredible color with a theoretical value of about 100; this allows for the perfect restoration of the original color of an object.

However, its downside is its power consumption, short life, low photoelectric conversion efficiency, and it has both infrared and Ultra-violet rays.

  • LED Light

On the other hand, the LED light eliminates stroboscopic and has incredibly high light efficiency and tends to pursuit higher efficiency potential.

Its advantages are that it does not flick, does not produce Ultra-violet rays, and uses the high-quality chip, its product color is between 80 and 95, and it has an incredibly long life.

Therefore, when looking for light sources that will be best for reading, you should consider using an LED lamp.


How Good or Bad Are LED Lights for Reading and the Eyes?

This is by far, one of the biggest questions asked by several individuals considering purchasing an LED light bulb.

  • Pros

As previously stated, LED lights are directional light sources; this means that they emit light in a particular direction, which makes them excellent for reading.

In addition to that, it is highly advisable to note that being a directional light source, LED can be used in several applications where reading is essential such as using LED in reading lamps, on the shelf, or counter.

Some LED lights are equipped with diffusers which aims to soften the light and thus generate eye-friendly light.

But if your primary concern is reading, then using an LED light will be an excellent option for you. You will ample supply of light compared to the traditional bulbs.

In addition to reading, LED lights are said to be great for your eyes. Since the light is being emitted in a particular direction, you will be able to minimize struggling when reading.

  • Cons

However, despite it being a great source of light, recent findings have shown that when exposed to a powerful and intense LED light is photo-toxic. This can lead to an irreversible loss of retinal cells hence diminishes your sharpness of vision.

It is best to take caution when using LED light while reading or carrying out other activities that require an ample supply of light.


Which Types of Light Are Ideal for Reading Between LED, CFL, and Fluorescent Lamps?

Choosing the best light for reading can be challenging for most individuals; however, there are a few aspects that you can consider when purchasing the best for reading. Comparing these three sources of light will help you identify the one that is ideal for reading.

– LED Lights

led book light for reading

Usually, LED lights are known for offering the brightest white colors and illuminate an incredible way to provide a near-natural appearance. This makes it the best choice for reading since you will clearly see the words on the page.

When it comes to reading, the general rule states that the light should have a minimum of 500 lumens.

– CFL Lamps

On the other hand, CFL lamps are less bright than an LED lamp. This is not due to the different technologies used in designing them, but it is as a result of different lumens.

A CFL lamp might have the same lumen as an LED lamp; however, they vary significantly when it comes to the amount of energy required to generate that level of brightness.

Compared to CFLs and fluorescents, LEDs require less wattage to produce incredible levels of lumens. This aspect makes it more efficient, long-lasting, and ideal for reading.

– Fluorescent Light

Fluorescent technology has been around for over 100 years, and it often represents high-efficiency, and it produces light that covers a vast area. Fluorescents are well-known for producing ample lights and are highly efficient and long-lasting compared to incandescent bulbs.

However, when compared in both categories, they tend to fail compared to an LED lamp. Usually, fluorescents tend to flicker most of the time; this makes it the least option for reading.

In addition to that, fluorescent is omnidirectional; this means that they produce light that covers 360 degrees.

When it comes to reading, a lamp that emits light in one direction is considered the best; this aspect is featured in LEDs lamp and not fluorescents making it a less pleasurable option for reading.

– Verdict

Unlike CFL and fluorescent, LEDs emit light in a particular direction, which makes them a great option in reading. On the other hand, a CFL lamp light tends to cover a broader surface area; this makes it the best option for use in table lamps.


Why Choose LEDs for Reading?

LEDs are considered a great option when it comes to reading; furthermore, they are highly durable.

However, when compared to other sources of light, LEDs are a bit expensive at first; this is often due to their incredible durability and ample supply of light. Due to this, most people tend to choose LEDs over CFL and fluorescents.

Unlike LEDs, CFLs are highly affordable, but their values tend to leak out faster whenever they get damaged.

Moreover, LEDs tend to emit light in a single direction, making it an excellent option for carrying out activities that require ample supply of light, such as reading and embroidering. This feature makes it stand from its competitors.


Colors to Choose: Is it Yellow or White?

Most experts recommend you to rely on white light. They come with blue wavelengths that play a vital role in improving your cognitive functioning and memory. These lights will also help in elevating your mood too. It is for this reason that they are relatively popular in offices as well as task-oriented sites.

On the other hand, yellow lights are likely to make you feel a little warm and perhaps cozy. With this, you will keep on relaxing for long. These yellow lights will hardly give you the environment from which to read. Instead, they accentuate fatigue and a need to sleep in the long run.


Tips When Choosing LED Lights

Did you know that not paying attention to the lamp you choose could expose you to constant headaches in the long run? Always remember that LEDs could have flickers too, which, if they persist, could end up straining your eyes.

While shopping for your LED lights, therefore, ensure that you focus on the color, temperature, and brightness level. The ideal brightness level for your reading will be between 3000 and 6000 lumens. While at it, make sure that your choice accentuates a color temperature of between 3000K and 5000K. Above all, the color chosen should be no other than white.


Final Verdict

When reading in your bedroom, it is best to use an LED bulb or lamp since they produce natural light. This applies to other places such as the kitchen preparation area, workbench, and other places with a similar situation.

However, when reading in an area that is equipped with ample supply of natural light such as the living room, playroom, or the entryway, it is best to use a light source that produces less lumen; in this case, a CFL light will be considered as the best option.

When choosing a light source that will be best for reading, it is highly advisable to keep in mind the amount of natural light your access along with the lumens the bulb of lamp produces.

By keeping this in mind, you will be able to prevent your eyes from straining while reading or being exposed to too much light that will end up affecting your visual.

As we conclude, we hope that this article has been of great help when it comes to answering the question; is LED light good for reading?