What does glare in lighting refer to?

Glare in lighting specifically refers to excessive brightness that causes discomfort to the eyes. It can occur when there is a drastic contrast in brightness levels, making it difficult for the eyes to adjust and leading to visual discomfort or strain. This phenomenon can happen in various settings, whether it's from natural light streaming through windows, bright artificial lighting, or reflections off surfaces.

Understanding glare is crucial for creating effective lighting designs that enhance visibility and comfort in a space. Reducing glare can involve using diffusers, controlling light intensity, and ensuring that reflective surfaces are appropriately addressed to minimize discomfort for occupants in an environment.