Final answer:
Disabling glare impairs vision due to excessive brightness, while discomfort glare causes an uncomfortable sensation without necessarily impairing vision. Effective lighting design and photograhic techniques can mitigate these issues. Light pollution is increasingly acknowledged as an environmental and health concern, affecting both astronomical observations and human circadian rhythms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subjects of disabling and discomfort glare in lighting refer to visual hindrances that can affect a person's ability to see clearly or comfortably in certain illuminated environments. Disabling glare refers to excessive brightness that impairs vision, while discomfort glare does not necessarily impair vision but can cause an uncomfortable sensation. One encounters these issues in various scenarios such as flash photography, nighttime driving with headlights, or working with screen displays. Good lighting practices, the angle of reflection, and avoiding direct lines of sight with bright lights are essential to mitigating these forms of glare.
For instance, when taking photographs with a flash, photographers aim to reduce flash glare by angling their shots away from reflective surfaces or by using diffusers. When photographing people wearing glasses, tips like adjusting the angle of the subject or using softer lighting can prevent glare on the lenses. In the realm of lighting design, the advancement of technology with LED and automated fixtures has introduced new considerations for controlling glare and choosing the right lighting parameters.
Concerning environmental and health aspects, light pollution is increasingly recognized as an issue impacting both astronomers and the general population. It affects circadian rhythms and can disrupt ecosystems. Awareness is growing about the need for responsible lighting design to reduce unnecessary light spillage at night and address related concerns such as global warming.