The worst part was that my eyes always felt tired and strained.

Then I discovered the OTT-LITE lamps. My first test was to try to read the tiny print on a medicine bottle under a regular desk lamp then to read it under an OTT-LITE. I was amazed by the additional clarity that the OTT-LITE provided.

After giving it some thought, perhaps the theory was not that amazing. After all, the OTT-LITE uses technology to mimic natural sunlight. Everyone’s normal instinct is to take something that is difficult to read over to the window to read it in natural sunlight. My optometrist confirmed that natural sunlight is the best light for reading or any detail work. So what was amazing was really how well the OTT-LITE was able to mimic natural sunlight.

The technology was inspired by Dr. John Ott. Dr. Ott was a pioneer in light research and he knew that sunlight was the best lighting for plants, animals, and humans. Dr. Ott spent years developing his lighting technology and that technology lives on in his OTT-LITE line of lighting products.

Although OTT-LITEs come in several shapes and sizes, my favorite is the OTT-LITE VisionSaver DeskPro Plus Lamp which is perfect to use when working on the computer. I also like the Vision Saver Plus lights which fold down to save space or for transportability. Following good design principles, these lamps are both functional and visually appealing.

In my book Great Age Guide to Gadgets & Gizmos I’ve identified products that help boomers – and beyond – use computers and technology to enhance their lives and their experiences with technology. The OTT-LITE  is listed as my favorite because it not only improves your visual acuity, but it has no glare to stress your eyes. I’ve tried other lights that propose to be “natural sunlight” lights, but I always come back to the OTT-LITE as my favorite.

In the months that I have had my OTT-LITE I have found that since it projects true colors, it is also useful for working with fabric and yarn. It is also an excellent aid for putting together jigsaw puzzles. Using it really lessens my eye strain. If you have aging eyes like mine, the OTT-LITE can bring a little clarity to your life and a little comfort to your eyes.