“The Aging Eye,” a brief, informative video about lighting principles for older adults, was recently introduced on the LRC Web site. Narrated by Mariana Figueiro, PhD, the LRC’s Light and Health Program director and associate professor, this Webisode helps viewers to understand physiological changes to the eyes and eyesight as humans age.

“As we grow older, we are more prone to age-related diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration,” Figueiro explains.

In addition, changes to our eyes can also affect sleep patterns and balance. This interactive video also demonstrates how good lighting design can increase our visual capabilities. In addition, links to more information and research results about the topic are provided.

The video is available at the following link: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/resources/JSFlash/AgingEye/aging_eye_webisode.html.

About the Lighting Research Center
The Lighting Research Center (LRC) is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N.Y., and is the leading university-based research center devoted to lighting. The LRC offers the world's premier graduate education in lighting, including one- and two-year master's programs and a Ph.D. program. Since 1988 the LRC has built an international reputation as a reliable source for objective information about lighting technologies, applications, and products. The LRC also provides training programs for government agencies, utilities, contractors, lighting designers, and other lighting professionals. Visit www.lrc.rpi.edu.

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, is the nation's oldest technological university. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in engineering, the sciences, information technology, architecture, management, and the humanities and social sciences. Institute programs serve undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals around the world. Rensselaer faculty are known for pre-eminence in research conducted in a wide range of fields, with particular emphasis in biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, and the media arts and technology. The Institute is well known for its success in the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the marketplace so that new discoveries and inventions benefit human life, protect the environment, and strengthen economic development.