I am a member of the "too much light hurts my eyes" except when I need to see absolute details of my sewing and cutting. I don't know if it is just me, but I can't sew a straight seam unless I can see everything very clearly. I wear contacts that are set for reading computers and books, which means at arm's length. When I sit down to sew, I wear a pair of +2 or +2.5 to see my sewing lines much clearer and turn on an extra light at my sewing machine. What a difference the glasses and the light makes! I do have to take the glasses off if I need to press, so a lot of people would not want to put the glasses on and take them off a dozen times in an hour's sewing session, but it really works for me.
I, also, have one of those magnifying lights that I love for ripping dark fabrics with dark thread. It makes everything so much easier to see and not end up ripping my fabric. The one I use sits on my sewing machine desk and has a movable, bendable arm that let's me put the magnifying glass where I need it. I got mine at a major office supply for less than $30 and it has the good bulb in it like the Ott lights do.
And, over the long arm, are the runway lights. It's like Louisiana in the bright shine but with no glare. I bought the more expensive daylight bulbs and have never regretted a minute of it.
For those who have had contractors or others tell them that they are putting in too much light. It just makes me wonder how someone else could make that type decision for you. If they just insist it is too much, then have them put in switches for each light fixture, then you can control individually how much light is on. Sometimes I need more and sometimes less, but the times I need more, I consider it almost critical.
Happy quilting everyone, got some Christmas gifts to finish and I am determined to get them done!!!!