Lights out for T/O & landing - why?

[chrisN]

Why is it the practice to dim main passenger cabin lights during Take off and landing, but OK (I think) to have personal overhead lights on?

No hidden agenda, just curious.

[sanjosebaz]

Acclimatization - if evacuation is needed, pax can see the exit routes better, because their eyes have become used to a darker environment.

[chrisN]

Thanks - makes sense.

[erikv]

as far as I know, it has more to do with protecting nightvision for the cabin attendants than for the pax.

small difference, same general idea.

Erik.

[FlyingLow]

All the above makes sense...

I've also heard that it is (partly?) because one of the things that seem to frighten the pax most is the sudden darkness when the lights turn off in case of an accident at night time.