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The advent of fluorescent lights was both a blessing and a curse for most people. On the one hand, these types of lights are considerably brighter-per-watt than conventional bulbs, which is why they can be found in nearly every commercial building today. Their low energy consumption significantly reduces operating costs as well. Unfortunately, fluorescent lights and their newer cousins CFLs can be incredibly irritating. The light they emit is often considered excessively harsh on the eyes. That’s why it may be time to replace your fluorescent ceiling light covers.

Why Your Fluorescents and CFLs Need a Visual Upgrade

Fluorescent lights and CFLs use fluorescence, the ability to make a material glow in a longer wavelength when it encounters shorter-wavelength light. The inside surface of a fluorescent bulb is coated with a material that fluoresces when exposed to UV light. The wavelength it emits is, helpfully, in the range of visible light. Unfortunately, it skews towards the blue, or short-wavelength, end of the spectrum. Although markedly functional, you would hardly want long-term exposure to this kind of lighting.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to replace your fluorescent light covers. Instead, try decorative light covers like the ones sold by Octo Lights. It will keep your family and employees safe from the harmful effects of short-wavelength light. At the same time, your home or office is going to look a lot more stylish!

1. Eye Strain and Headaches

Ocular irritation from fluorescent lighting goes beyond regular eye strain. For years, office employees have complained about frequent headaches, sometimes severe, and countless studies have demonstrated the connection between the two. The exact cause is unclear, but many believe that at least two factors are at play. First, the blue light puts a strain on the eyes. Second, fluorescent lights flicker, albeit very quickly. Many believe that the fast flicker can trigger headaches or even migraines.

Furthermore, the intensity of a person's headaches increases the older and more used the CFL bulb is. Since most businesses will wait until the bulbs burn out before replacing them, one can only imagine the level of irritation office workers across the country are subjected to.

2. Annoying Blue Light

As we spend more and more time in front of screens, many scientists are investigating the effect on our eyes and bodies. While it's unclear whether blue light actually damages your eyes, the impact of blue light on sleep is more certain. Blue light almost certainly tricks the brain into thinking it is midday and disrupts the natural production of melatonin. Melatonin helps regulate sleep, especially helping the body relax naturally into sleep. Blue light inhibits melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

3. Glare

If you have ever gazed at your computer monitor and wondered why that annoying glare would not seem to go away, look up for a moment. Outdated plastic CFL covers are grossly ineffective at filtering light, and what ends up happening is a poor outward reflection. New covers aid in the distribution of softer and more attractive glow that people love to see when walking into a room.

4. Your Old Covers Look Old

To maximize the amount of surface area covered by your CFLs, a plastic diffuser is necessary. It allows for proper distribution, ensuring no one space gets too much UV concentration. Lastly, nothing says "unprofessional" like an office full of aging light covers. When the plastic turns yellow or begins to crack, it is time to replace them!

5. Decorative Light Covers Look Great

Office decor is notoriously dull. Thankfully, the days of beige rooms full of beige cubicles outfitted with beige computers are slowly waning. But many offices could still use a decor upgrade. Many offices are now trying out new designs, like adding decorative fluorescent light covers. Depending on your design choice, you could incorporate sky-and-cloud panels to simulate skylights or—if you combine them—an open sky. You could also try out other natural designs to add some life and color. Or you might want to create custom panels with work-related content like company logos, mottos, or vision statements. The options are as endless as your imagination.