Optimal illumination for reading in patients with age-related maculopathy.

This study was designed to determine optimal levels of illumination for reading for patients with age-related maculopathy. These patients comprise a large percentage of the low vision population, and illumination has a great impact on their reading ability. For many patients in this study, increased illumination levels improved their performance. Eleven of the 18 patients preferred illumination levels as high as 5920 to 7534 lux (550 to 770 ft-c). This information suggests that illumination levels higher than previously recommended will improve reading speed in most patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).