‘The Glare Effect’ And What It Means For You

The Glare Effect : Three Types Of Negative Sun Exposure

According to the Society of Light and Lighting there are three main types of ‘Glare’, which are: 

1 – Discomfort Glare 

2 – Disability Glare 

3 – Veiling Reflections 

Solarglide would like to take this opportunity to add a fourth addition to the ‘glare’ family, which is: 

4 – Distracting Glare

Onboard Discomfort Glare. The Glare Effect

Light shining through a Cabin window. Solarglide

‘Discomfort Glare’ is the most common type of glare experience. A common situation,  would be that you are confined to one space, making it difficult to move between rooms. The Glare Effect Example: This area of glare occurs when people don’t feel comfortable within the given lighting situation conditions because the external light sources may not be right within your cabin area or bridge environment.

Onboard Disability Glare

‘Disability Glare’ shining on a luxury Yacht Solarglide Limited

‘Disability Glare’ is the reduction in visibility caused by intense light sources in the field of view. The Glare Effect Example: This is when sunlight physically inhibits how you see, often described as being ‘Dazzled’. Another example would be sailing towards a low-level sun, which can seriously diminish your ability to see clearly. This can be potentially disastrous with obstructions at sea, causing collisions with commercial ships, cruise liners or private yachts. 

Onboard Veiling Reflections. The Glare Effect 

‘Veiling Glare’ onboard ship controls

‘Veiling Glare’ also known as ‘Screen Reflections’ is potentially, one of the most dangerous sources of light. Veiling light, is the reflection of incidental light that can partially or totally obscure or hide the details on your Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) and ECDIS Systems. Example: An example would be when one looks through a pane of glass, a reflected image of a bright element or surface may be seen superimposed on what is viewed through the glass pane. 

Onboard Distracting Light 

Sun shining through a ship window.By Solarglide Limited

Onboard ‘Distracting Glare’ is especially disliked, as it interferes with your focus and most importantly – your eyes. Example: An example would be when you’re watching the television or trying to focus on reading a book in your cabin or library area, but the strong light source entering your peripheral vision impairs your vision and concentration. 

All the above-mentioned bright lights and glare, especially if it’s flickering, can induce migraines. This is because bright lights including intense glare boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which then activate the migraine centre. It is also a little-known fact that experiences of Glare can affect a person’s ability to carry-out computer-based activities. 

The Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 state: 

“Workstations shall be so designed that sources of light, such as windows and other openings, transparent or translucent walls, and brightly coloured fixtures or walls cause no direct glare and no distracting reflections on the screen. Windows shall be fitted with a suitable system of adjustable covering to attenuate the daylight that falls on the workstation”. 

Here at Solarglide, we understand the importance of glare protection, not only for the safety of a vessel, but also for the health and wellbeing of crew and passengers travelling at sea. Many of our products including our bridge solar screens, privacy blinds, sheers and adhesive films help to significantly reduce or eliminate glare. This makes for better working and leisure conditions onboard. 

Common Misconceptions In Regards To UVA & UVB Rays. Keeping Crew Members Safe Onboard

UVA (Ultraviolet A)

UVA rays have a longer wavelength and UVB (Ultraviolet B) have a shorter wavelength, both are considered to be very harmful to your health and skin. 

UVB rays

UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn and also play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, including the deadly black mole cancer, known as Malignant Melanoma. 

UVA rays

UVA Rays also contribute to skin cancer formation. In addition, the UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, and cause the development of premature skin ageing.

Solarglide would like to take this opportunity to explain that UVA rays ARE NOT BLOCKED BY GLASS, in fact 50% of UVA rays can even penetrate through clouds, rain and fog, leaving your skin exposed, whilst working, relaxing or sleeping.

Diagram showing UVA and UVB Rays. Solarglide

Solarglide would like to take this opportunity to explain that UVA rays ARE NOT BLOCKED BY GLASS, in fact 50% of UVA rays can even penetrate through clouds, rain and fog, leaving your skin exposed, whilst working, relaxing or sleeping.

Beware Of Glare – High Performance Solar Screens For Ships

To address some of the situations and symptoms mentioned, Solarglide suggest keeping your onboard crew members safe with installing high performance onboard Solar Screens for ships. These versatile anti glare shade solutions combat the effects of warm interior climates whilst at sea, protecting crew members located in vessels bridge area for prolonged periods of time.

Solarglide’s product range is as diverse as the vessels it serves. From anti-glare solar screens , blackout blinds to bespoke Venetian blinds. These products are not just functional – they’re designed to enhance onboard comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.

Solar Screens. Motorised, Cassette or Non Cassette Solar Screens by Solarglide Limited. © Solarglide Limited

 

With over 15 years of experience and a relentless drive for creativity and distinctiveness, Solarglide maritime shading continues to redefine what’s possible in maritime shading. The blog – The Blind Mariner, offers insights into industry trends, product developments, and forgotten adventures at sea – a must-read for maritime professionals and enthusiasts alike.

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