A better setup is low background lighting supported by localized task lighting. In addition, you can replace standard bulbs, especially fluorescent bulbs, with bulbs that more closely approximate natural daylight. Bulbs do this by adding missing colors to the light spectrum. The result is a softer, more natural lighting that's much easier on the eyes and produces far less glare. Verilux bulbs reduce glare, eyestrain and fatigue and are better for reading.
Bulbs come in clear or frosted.
Performance data for a standard 100 watts bulb.