Visual discomfort associated with ceiling luminaires: Observations, trends and challenges 2009 -2018

This is a retrospective analysis of 30 onsite workplace assessments conducted during 2009-2018 where visual discomfort was associated with the apparent brightness of ceiling luminaires. Strategies attempted by individuals to manage their discomfort included wearing tinted spectacles, wearing a hat/visor and using barriers to block the view of luminaires. Half the workplace managers were reluctant to switch off luminaires because of potential aesthetics, safety or task illuminance issues. Relocating individuals to alternative workstations was not always feasible nor advantageous (for example, if other workstations had identical issues). Many workplaces have embraced the trend for activity-based work areas, but there are limited options for addressing visual discomfort if workers do not have assigned workstations. There is a challenge to provide lighting designs which meet the diverse visual needs of workers and which do not rely on high luminance luminaires.