I have a plexiglass extension for my sewing machine (the sew steady table) under which I have placed a small broad spectrum grow light tube. It gives me more accurate color than a florescent, and because I do a lot of paper piecing, it allows me to see right through the paper or the fabric right at my sewing machine. I can turn it off easily since there is a switch on the cord of the light, but I don't find it a distraction at all to have it on. It actually gives me good lighting for my stitching on the machine, so I don't need another light hovering over my machine. Also the sew steady table has legs instead of sides, so there is no heat build up like you would get in a "light box".
Of course, I don't get the excercise others might get by walking over to their light box.