Does the Eye-Protecting "Streetlight" Really Work? Here's What Experts Say
As the new school term begins, myopia prevention has once again become a key concern for parents and students. In recent years, various myopia prevention products have emerged, with the "streetlight-style" desk lamp gaining widespread attention due to its unique design. But what is the principle behind it? Can it truly help prevent myopia?
Streetlight-style desk lamps may help alleviate eye fatigue, but that does not necessarily mean they are effective in preventing myopia.
"Sustainable Lighting for the Whole Home," "Red Light Boost for Eye Comfort," "Study Like in Natural Light"—these are just some of the promotional slogans flooding e-commerce platforms when searching for "streetlight-style desk lamps." Prices for popular models range from 600 to 3,000 yuan, with premium options exceeding 10,000 yuan.
As the name suggests, the "streetlight-style desk lamp" resembles a roadside streetlamp and is a tall, freestanding lamp. Unlike traditional desktop lamps, it features a dual light source design. The upper light source projects light onto the ceiling, creating ambient illumination through diffuse reflection, while the lower light source directly illuminates the desk, functioning like a conventional desk lamp.
Using a "Big Street Lamp" does not necessarily prevent myopia. According to the Myopia Prevention and Control Guide (2024 Edition), myopia is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including close-up activities, outdoor time, reading habits, lighting, and eye exercises. The guide recommends reading in well-lit conditions with an average desk illuminance of at least 300 lux, adjusted based on task type and font size, while avoiding excessively dim or bright lighting to prevent eye strain and glare.
A study of over 1,800 primary school students found that those using classroom ceiling lights simulating natural light had a lower myopia incidence after three years compared to those under regular ceiling lights. This suggests that lighting mimicking outdoor natural light spectra may help with myopia prevention. Some "Big Street Lamps" claim to replicate natural light spectra, but their effectiveness varies by manufacturer, and other eye-care desk lamps or ceiling lights can achieve similar results.
Big Street Lamp = eye-care ceiling light + eye-care desk lamp. Can also study on a balcony under natural outdoor light.
Experts advise a rational approach when selecting myopia prevention products. For indoor lighting, eye-protection lamps that meet national standards are recommended. A good combination of eye-care ceiling lights and desk lamps can effectively replace large floor lamps. While indoor lighting cannot match sunlight, studying under direct outdoor sunlight is not advisable. Instead, placing a desk on a balcony with indirect natural light can be beneficial.
If considering a large floor lamp or other eye-care lighting, key parameters to check include:
1. A light spectrum close to natural sunlight
2. Desk illumination of at least 500 lux
3. Warm white light with a color temperature of 4000-5000K
4. Flicker-free lighting
Instead of focusing on which myopia prevention product to buy, spending more time outdoors with children is a better approach. Studies show that accumulating two hours of outdoor activity daily not only helps prevent myopia but also enhances learning efficiency and improves academic performance.
