Energy bulb concerns grow

Charities and organisations such as the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) have backed calls on the government to halt phasing out the sale of traditional lightbulbs over concerns that energy efficient bulbs are causing problems for people with low vision.

Current EU rules require retailers to phase out incandescent bulbs by 2012. However, campaigners are urging them to disregard these requirements, according to a BBC online report.

The government has conceded there is problem but has insisted that viable alternatives are available.

Larry Benjamin, of the RCO, told the BBC: 'Incandescent bulbs give a general bright lighting source and the worry is that if they disappear, patients won't be able to have the same level of lighting in their homes.