OPTICAL PERFORMANCE vs LUMEN OUTPUT
WHY GREAT LIGHTING NEEDS BOTH
When selecting lighting solutions, the first specification most designers, architects, and specifiers look at is lumen output. It’s the standard measure of how much visible light a source emits — and for good reason. But here is an industry truth often overlooked: high lumen numbers alone do not guarantee high‑quality lighting.
This page explains why optical performance matters just as much as lumens — and how our thin, flexible LED solutions deliver maximum performance on both fronts.
Understanding the Metrics
To make informed choices, it helps to clearly distinguish between the two concepts.
What are Lumens?
Lumens (lm) measure total luminous flux – the total quantity of visible light produced by a source. The higher the lumen value, the more the light source generates. However, this number tells you nothing about how that light behaves once it leaves the fixture.
What is Optical Performance?
Optical performance describes how light is controlled, shaped, distributed, and delivered to the target surface. Key factors include:
Uniformity: Consistency of brightness across the area (ratio of min to max luminance)
Color Rendering Index (CRI): Ability to show true colors (0–100; ≥90 = excellent)
Beam control & diffusion: Reduction of glare and stray light
Light transfer efficiency: Percentage of light that reaches the intended area
The Critical Distinction
“Lumens tell you how much light is available; optics determine the amount of that light that is actually usable”
Two fixtures rated at 2,000 lumens can perform very differently:
A basic fixture may have 70% uniformity, CRI 75, and waste 30% of its light as glare or spillage.
A well‑engineered fixture can deliver 92% uniformity, CRI 95+, and direct 95% of light where it is needed.
Why Balance between optics and lumens matters
Higher energy costs: You use more power to compensate for poor light distribution.
Uncomfortable environments: Hot spots, dim edges, and glare cause eye strain.
Poor visual quality: Low CRI distorts colors, which is critical in retail, healthcare, and design.
True lighting efficiency is measured by effective lumens — the amount of light that actually serves the space.
This is where Addlux technology bridges the gap.
Addlux Ultra‑Thin Flexible LED Technology:
Maximum Lumens + Superior Optics
Addlux specialises in advanced backlighting, edge‑lighting and light‑sheet technology designed to maximise both output and control. Our range includes:
CREOLUX Flexible LED Sheets
| Unrivalled Energy Efficiency up to 150LM/W |
| Brightnesses up to 54000LM/M2 |
| Highest CRI Levels >95 |
| Cuttable & Flexible Illumination |
Light Sheet & Flexible Light Sheet
| Bespoke Laser-etched diffusion pattern |
| Customisable Brightness Levels to suit application |
| Highest CRI Levels |
| Glare-free Illumination from just 3mm |
Astrolux Waterproof Modules
| Efficient backlighting of up to 180LM/W |
| Brightness levels of up to 180LM per module |
| Wide 180° beam angle |
| 5 Year Warranty as standard |
Raylux Edgelighting Strips
| Bright, Uniform illumination from 60mm |
| Dual-Beam optics deliver consistent illumination |
| Uniform illumination |
| Quick & Easy Installation |
Prolux LED Neon & Neon Strips
| Specification-grade performance |
| High-efficiency & excellent reliability |
| High-density technology |
| Seamless Linear Illumination |
Real-world Lighting Applications
Architecture & Interiors
Uniform backlighting creates seamless ceilings, illuminated walls, and custom joinery. High lumens ensure brightness; precision optics ensure a smooth, shadow‑free finish.
Retail & Visual Systems
Consistent luminance ensures products and branding look identical from every viewing angle. Studies show that uniform lighting can increase perceived brightness by up to 30% without increasing energy usage*
Medical & Healthcare
Colour Rendering Index (CRI) levels of 95+ are essential for accurate clinical observation, skin‑tone assessment, and general wellbeing. Poor optics distort color — even with high lumen counts.
Marine & Transport
Vibration‑resistant, low‑profile, and high‑efficiency lighting that delivers reliable output and safe visibility in confined spaces.
Specifying lighting by lumens alone is like buying a vehicle based only on horsepower while ignoring handling, fuel efficiency, and safety.
