What is glare?
The evaluation of the quality of lighting in rooms involves a number of criteria. Among other things, light intensity, color and glare are evaluated. All of these affect the quality of vision.


By definition, glare is understood as lighting conditions in which the user is uncomfortable or details of objects in the field of vision are difficult to perceive. This usually occurs when the luminance has an inappropriate range or distribution. It can also be caused by inadequate contrast of the illumination of the object under observation in relation to its surroundings. In both cases, too much of a concentrated beam of light reaches the user and is reflected either by objects or by the light source. Such an effect, due to the perception problems, can cause irritation and, in workplaces, even result in health risks.

Discomfort glare – what is it?
There are different types of glare. They can be divided into two subgroups. The first classifies glare according to the type of radiation reaching the eye of the observer. This division distinguishes between:
 Direct glare
It comes from the light source and directly hits the eye of the observer

 Indirect glare
It happens in the case of intense luminance, the source of which is next to the observed object

 Reflected glare
It occurs as the reflection of light beams from objects close to the object under observation, e.g. furniture, walls

Workplaces exposed to glare
The glare is quite common. It occurs, among others, in public, office, industrial spaces and at homes. In some of these areas, the effects it causes can be more or less adverse. Due to the type of activities involves, all types of glare are dealt with. However, with regard to time at the workplace and the possibility of removing the source of the problem, discomfort glare is crucial.

Office work is particularly exposed to the factor of discomfort and reduced ability to see. Working for several hours or more, as well as activities in front of a computer monitor, exacerbate the effects associated with an inadequately adjusted light source.

installation of luminaires with a low UGR, appropriate installation of luminaires – not directly above the workplace, decentralised lighting system e.g. several luminaires with lower luminance, lighting at different angles directed at the workstation, avoidance of glossy surfaces, maintaining adequate contrast between the background and the illuminated surface.