Last night I bought some Ott bulbs that have a standard base, to try in some small lamps in my sewing room. I don't have any overhead lighting, just two small bedroom lamps on top of bookcases. I put in the new Ott bulbs (equiv 60watt), and left the lamp shades off, and it is a definite improvement. Ott lighting, including bulbs, is 50% off at Joanns this week. The 60watt bulbs are regularly $9.99, and I also bought one 100watt bulb, regularly $14.99. I have old eyes, too, and can't see a thing with the energy saver bulbs.