Air carrier Captain reported LED bright white lighting used in ramp areas of several airport facilities may cause temporary vision issues.
Synopsis
Air carrier Captain reported LED bright white lighting used in ramp areas of several airport facilities may cause temporary vision issues.
Narrative
This report is filed to bring attention to the highest levels. I have used LAX as a baseline but my concern is not inclusive of LAX as every airport facility using the new LED lights to illuminate the ramp areas is culpable. The LED lights recently installed at LAX; PDX; SEA; and many other airport facilities are too bright. When I taxi in from relatively dark taxiways and am subjected to bright white lights shining directly into my eyes it causes a temporary loss of full visual functionality. To the point that it is difficult to retain focus on the marshaler and the lit wands during the most critical phase of taxi; pulling up to the jet bridge and terminal building. Please consider reverting to amber; or other; colored LED lights instead of white LED lights as they are less impactful on nighttime visual acuity of the human eye. Additionally; please consider any other mitigation factors available from an engineering/design perspective (i.e. changing the height; angle; or position of the lights) that might enhance the safety of flight operations at night.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.