evenger began by selling reading lights, and over the years we've learned a few things that may help you light for long and comfortable reading sessions.
Light for the ages.
Ever notice how children seem to read in the dark? It's not dark for them. When we're young, we don't need as much light as when we're 30. At 60, we need twice the amount of light we did when we were 30. (We just don't notice it since we get older a day at a time.) Give yourself lots more light as you grow older.
Find the correct shoulder to light on.
Position your lamp behind your left shoulder if you're right-handed, and behind your right shoulder if you're left-handed. This way, your hand won't overshadow your words as you write or read.
Banish glare.
Set a small mirror on your page and see if any strong light reflects into your eyes. If so, rearrange things so that the light bounces away instead. This way, you'll avoid fatiguing glare.
Use a dimmer switch.
It gives you another way to control the light level, adjusting it to what you're reading (a stock listing vs. a glossy coffee table book, for example). A dimmer switch is especially helpful for older eyes, since they need more light yet are more sensitive to glare.
Combine direct light with general light.
Except when reading in bed when someone else is sleeping, try to avoid strong contrasts in light levels, which may cause your eyes to strain to adjust from darkness to light. Normally you should light your room generally and then supplement your reading material with direct light.