The Influence of LED Lighting in School Recreation Areas on Visual Acuity and Psycho-Emotional State of First Graders in the Dynamics of a Schoolyear

Abstract

Object: The wide spread of gadgets among modern schoolchildren and their intensive use during breaks in school corridors and recreation areas indicates the necessity of improving illumination in school recreation areas to secure conditions suitable for intensive visual work. Thanks to their technical characteristics, durability and affordable price, LED light sources can ensure the implementation of this task. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of LED lighting of school corridors, halls and recreational facilities on visual acuity and psycho-emotional state of first graders in the course of a schoolyear. Materials and methods: In the corridors and recreation areas of the Dolgoprudninskaya Gymnasium (Moscow Region), fluorescent lamps were replaced by PrLUX-AU-36 LED lamps with Epistar LEDs, opal diffuser, 3600Lm luminous flux, and the color temperature of 4000K. Measurements of artificial lighting were taken before and after installing LED lamps using a TKA PKM 43 light meter. We conducted a study of visual acuity among 67 first graders (aged 7-8) in the annual dynamics from September to May using the Sivtsev-Golovin table placed in the Rota apparatus. Testing was conducted by a highly qualified ophthalmologist. The psycho-emotional state was assessed using the Luscher color test. Results: We observed a significant increase in visual acuity in children over the specified period indicating the absence of negative effects of LED lighting on the organ of vision. The results of the Lusher test proved the absence of negative dynamics, thus demonstrating null adverse health effects of LED lighting in the primary schoolchildren. The studies confirmed that the influence of that light load on vision and its negative non-visual effects were only potential.