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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Sat Nov 13th, 2004 12:31 |
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The importance of protecting your eyes
"If you have a Th1 inflammatory disease, you need to control your level of 1,25-D and angiotension II. Your eyes have a complete, self-contained, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in them. They are connected directly to your brain via the optic nerve. You cannot recover from your illness unless you fastidiously protect your eyes from light. See Will the immune response cause increased eye inflammation?
The eyes are an extra layer of complexity. You see, when light hits a protein bundle in the outer layer of the retinal surface, phosphorylation occurs, and a GPCR is activated to carry the stimulus through your retina to the nerves below. These are connected to your brain via the optic nerve.
(GPCRs are special types of transmembrane receptors similar to the Angiotensin II receptor. There are a stack of similarly bundled GPCR structures)
Additionally, there is a full-scale RAS in the eyes, and there are lots of bacteria living in those immune system cells present in the vitreous (these were photographed by Emil Wirostko).
So which of these systems are you protecting with your NoIRs? Probably all of them, actually. Which is most important to protect? I really don't know - I am still working on understanding that one...
The photosensitivity is not due to the medications, it is part of the healing process. If you see photos of me from the period 1987-1999, a decade before the MP, when I was taking no medication whatsoever, you will see me with those 98% Zeiss glasses which I had to wear everywhere.
The light sensitivity is part of the inflammatory process, and independent of any medications. I was terribly photosensitive for the decade of the 90s, when I was taking no drugs at all 
It was interesting to see a report a few days ago of similar photosensity when using Cipro in Cystic Fibrosis. The fundamental biochemistry seems to be the same. Once the inflammatory (or herx) cytokines hit the keratinocytes, and the eyes, they catalyze the production of excessive amounts of 1,25-D from even low levels of incident light.
Once you start cutting the Vit D so that your immune system can start functioning properly again, the photosensitivity sets in, and it will stay for 6-24 months, gradually decreasing as you progress on the MP.
As you recover you will get to the point where you can't see anything through those dark glasses any more 
"The short-term consequences of folks with Th1 disease not wearing adequate eye protection will be an increase in neurological symptoms caused by stimulation of the amygdalla in the brain. These neurological symptoms include fatigue, irritability, aggressiveness, lack of concentration, brain fog, photosensitivity, transient loss of memory, mood swings, confusion, anxiety, anger, neurosis and even psychosis."
There is a HUGE difference between commercial sunglasses and NoIR. Please understand that if there were any alternatives we would list them - and we do list some of the expensive Zeiss prescription lenses. The NoIRs are not an item you can cut corners on. Sorry about that. It's just the way it is...
Dr. Trevor Marshall
These studies demonstrate that dihydroxyvitamin-D3 interacts with the cornea in ways which are yet to be fully explained:
Regulatory effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) on cytokine production by human corneal epithelial cells
Curr Eye Res. 2000 Feb;20(2):127-30.
PMID: 10617914 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Demonstration of renin mRNA, angiotensinogen mRNA, and angiotensin converting enzyme mRNA expression in the human eye: evidence for an intraocular renin-angiotensin system
J Wagner, AH Jan Danser, FH Derkx, TV de Jong, M Paul, JJ Mullins, MA Schalekamp and D Ganten
German Institute for High Blood Pressure Research, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Immuno-localization of the calcitriol receptor, calbindin-D28k and the plasma membrane calcium pump in the human eye
Johnson JA, Grande JP, Roche PC, Campbell RJ, Kumar R.
Nephrology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
You must protect your eyes from infrared light and visible light, as well as from the ultaviolet rays.
The aim is to keep visibility up while keeping the light energy low.
Do not begin taking Benicar until you have your NoIR sunglasses (or their equivalent).
See also:
Incident Radiation Tutorial
Eye inflammation, vision, and bacteria Do everyone's eyes become photosensitive on MP?
The effect of light on the brain (amygdala)
Last edited on Tue Jun 17th, 2008 21:36 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Thu Dec 30th, 2004 11:20 |
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[filelink]
NoIR sunglasses
Whenever you are exposed to natural light, you are exposed to infrared rays. That is when you absolutely must have the protection of infrared blocking sunglasses such as NoIR (or Bolle 100 or Zeiss....see below).
Excellent low cost sunglasses are made by NoIR (no InfrRed) Medical Technologies. Their nonprescription sunglasses are very inexpensive, have a patented coating to protect from infrared rays and are designed to be worn with or without prescription glasses, depending on the size you buy.
NoIR glasses (or their equivalent), as noted in #1 of the MP instructions, are absolutely essential. These glasses will cover up most of the face and help prevent any light from being reflected from the cheeks, into the eyes. NoIRs are specifically designed to provide protection from infrared and ultraviolet light, as well as natural, bright light.
We recommend the style called Spectrashield which are a little less bulky, slightly more attractive, much more durable and come in both fitovers and non-fitovers. They are the top picture. The Spectrashields are generally recommended because of their seal to the face to keep the light out and also for keeping light off more of the face. Each person must work out how they might do that most efficiently.
Their most basic style, called fit-overs, is in the middle below and lower picture. They are cheaper but not nearly as comfortable as the Spectrashields.
Spectrashield
Click on image for a complete data sheet
Basic fit-overs
(click on image for complete data sheet)
These 200 frames (see below) don't appear much different than regular sunglasses, except they're much darker and block out the IR too. They may not block enough light around the *edges* for all folks. but they do have the recommended MP specifications re UV, IR, blue light and visible light for those whom they do fit well.
Below if a picture of the new 35s. The price is the same as the Spectrashields. It's a non-fitover, wraparound style. Comes in one size. The rep says it fits closer to the face for some people, so is a better fit - but not for all. The 35's come with adjustable arms - There's a round moveable piece in the arm joint that goes up and down (with a loud clicking noise). See New Style of NoIRs
Sunglasses from NoIR are available in a variety of filters for different opthalmic conditions. You will need the types that attenuate infrared rays as well as visible and UV light. The NoIR representatives are very familiar with the needs of Marshall Protocol patients and can assist you over the phone in selecting the correct style and lenses.
The lenses from the "Amber" range are required because they block blue light, attenuate visible light the best and block more energy.
NoIRs have the benefit of visible light filtering to amber, as do the Zeiss. The NoIRs are more visibly dense, which is what most of the patients need when they go out-of-doors. The desire is to block all energy from the eyes except the minimum the patient requires to function.
All these lenses come in the Spectrashields or basic frame which provides good side protection. You will want the style that fits your head best to block the most light.
You will need at least two pair:
-amber 2% (these are the darkest)for outdoor use
-amber 10% (these are medium) for indoor use
It is a good idea to purchase a third pair when you can graduate to using less eye protection. These are the:
-amber 40% (these are the lightest)
These are the specifications to ask for.
dark amber for outdoors
100% UV Protection.
100% Blue Light Protection (the amber is the blue block)
100% Infrared Protection
2% visible light for outdoors
medium amber for indoors
100% UV Protection.
100% Blue Light Protection (the amber is the blue block)
100% Infrared Protection
10% visible light for indoors
NoIR sunglasses come in three sizes. measuring temple to temple.
900 series is 6 1/4" (large adult head)
700 series is 6 1/8" (medium adult head)
100 series is 5 1/4" (small adult head or child)
100 series are for children or adults with very small heads, 700 is for people with average size head, and 900 series is for adults with big heads or big glasses to be worn beneath....they are the clunker/granny models.
MP prescribed NoIR sunglasses :
#907 dark amber for outdoors come in sizes> 907, 707,107
100% UV Protection.
100% Blue Light Protection
100% Infrared Protection
2% visible light for outdoors
#901 medium amber for indoors come in sizes> 901, 701,101
100% UV Protection.
100% Blue Light Protection
100% Infrared Protection
10% visible light for indoors
If you have any uncertainty about which model you need, call NoIR who are very friendly and helpful and aware of the MP.
You may call NoIR toll-free in the USA at:
1-800-521-9746
outside the USA:
1-734-769-5565
1-734-769-1708 (fax)
Be sure to mention that you saw their website and you will get a 10% discount.
-I called the Noir company and told the sales rep that I need them for the MP. She asked what state I was in, then gave me a BIG discount, Low Vision price is what she called it. ~LH1953
Please be advised that NoIR is experiencing "growing pains", some of the more popular lenses/sizes/style are on back order and it may take a few weeks to get your sunglasses. So be sure to order them as soon as possible.
Since NoIR can be slow to deliver the sunglasses, it wouldn't hurt to give them a call to let them know you are waiting.
Use US postal system
-I had a bad experience with ordering Noirs, not the Noirs company fault at all, Somehow my glasses were delivered by UPS and I was sent a bill of $57 US. Noir tried to get the bill cancelled but UPS was adament I had to pay, so Noir kindly sent me a new set of glasses free, as my indoor ones had a crack. So when you order be firm that you want the glasses delivered by US mail system. ~Maggie Weeks
For faster shipping and cheaper prices, see:
Independant Living Aids were very helpful in helping me to order the glasses. People were wonderful. They do not have all styles and sizes but small and average were in stock and they said I would have them in 3 business days. 1-800-537-2118
NoIR website:
http://www.noir-medical.com/index.htm
You may begin to protect your eyes while you are waiting for your doctor to order Benicar. See Should I avoid sun exposure and vitamin D while I'm waiting to start the MP? But protecting your eyes alone and avoiding all sources of Vitamin D are only part of the Marshall Protocol. You will need to implement the medications also in order to resolve your Th1 inflammation.
See also:
SUNGLASSES questions & suggestions
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Sun Jan 2nd, 2005 09:56 |
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[filelink]
Obtaining NoIRs in other countries
You may reach NoIR outside the USA by calling:
1-734-769-5565
or
1-734-769-1708 (fax)
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In the UK NoIR are available from this website (catalog page 81):
Optima Low Vision Service Tel 01803 864218
UK important info re: ordering NOIR Spectrashields
To avoid confusion/wrong orders
http://www.lowvisionsupplies.co.uk/ ask For Mr Gil Smith
"I puchased the medium amber (10% light, 100% IR and 100%UVA/B block) fit-overs in the 700 size over the telephone. I ordered them on a Monday and they arrived within 48 hrs on the Wednesday. They cost £17.30 including postage and there was form included which meant I did not have to pay any VAT (local taxes). It was the same for the dark amber Noir fitovers. (2% light only). At £17 and 1 - 2 days for delivery, I thought it was a pretty easy way to make the computer and tv a pleasure to use." ~Nuala
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Since Canadians have mentioned they've encountered customs fees when getting NoIR glasses shipped from the US, it might be worth asking the Canadian National Institute for the Blind how the sunglasses may be obtained. The CNIB carries NoIR glasses in their assistive devices product catalogue at URL
http://tinyurl.com/9rx9e
Just want to leave an Atta-boy for the NoIR people. My husband spoke with the woman this morning and she was very professional and lovely with him. She is refunding us the money for the blurry right lens glasses with no stress at all on her part. She says not to return them. He also placed an order for Gen's glasses, as well as clip ons for Natashia as she's nervous about driving with the wrap-arounds. New driver, eh? Our first order's snafu came from the NoIR packer forgetting to place the medical samples sticker on the package which then slowed the order at customs as well as incurring a $65 customs handling fee. Expressing dismay, the lady also reembursed us for that fee. If every business was so polite, professional and warm, shopping would always be a pleasure. ~Juanita (July 07)
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Australia: To order NoIR Glasses in Australia:
Click here for AUSTRALIAN Members local availability of NoIRs
You can also order then from:
Australian Compounding Pharmacy
16 St Mangos Lane
Docklands VIC 3008
email : bertfrigo@compoundia.com
Website http://www.compoundia.com
Phone 03 96702882
Fax 03 9670-9615
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9/20/04: From a member in Sweden: For people living in Europe.
You can by NoIR in Sweden at http://www.lvi.se/
use language/språk svenska and Produkter / optik / Filterglas
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Holland: we ordered our spectrashield 2% at: info@ergra-low-vision.nl
Ours is the fitover-model, but you can ask them if they can order the non-fitover model spectrashield for you. Tel. 070-3114070 ( in Holland) Order by telephone works better (was our experience.) ~Ben
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Sun Jan 2nd, 2005 23:30 |
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[filelink]
Stylish sunglasses
Bolle 100 lenses for sunglasses frames
Most standard sunglasses will block out 100% UV rays and varying degrees of natural light but UV protection alone is not sufficient for folks on the Marshall Protocol. NoIRs are recommended because they also block IR (infrared) rays which are a part of the natural light spectrum.
The Bolle 100 lens comes very close to NoIR protection. It is an adequate substitute for the medium 10% NoIR sunglasses but are not as dark as the NoIR 2% which may be needed initially for outdoor use. The Bolle 100 lens blocks 98% of the IR, allows only 9% of natural light in and they can be put in a more stylish frame.
For those who do not wear prescription glasses and would like a more stylish pair of sunglasses, Bolle 100 lenses may be a good option. The lenses are ordered separately and are only available for use in the Traverse frames, since they don't make the Turbulence frames anymore.
Here are the Bolle100 lenses.
-The gold standard for those that don't need prescription eyeglasses is still NOIR because of superior lens transmission curves that also block IR light. ~P.Bear R.N.
Julbo Lens
Alti Spectron X6, UV Protection: 100% Visible Light Reduction: 95% Compostition: Polycarbonate flash coating w/ anti-glare Tint: Brown.
As a comparison, the Bolle 100's specs appear to be 90% visible light reduction. Julbo also makes the Altitude Arc lens with 96% visible light reduction.
There are several frame styles available that use these particular lenses, most with side shields to block light from the side. I have a narrow face, so I choose the Epic frame which I purchased from http://www.campmor.com.
Julbo's entire line and specifications can be viewed on http://www.julbousa.com or the international home site http://www.julbo.fr Like Bolle, they are carried by many outdoor and mountaineering stores. A web search on "glacier glasses" may identify other lenses which could be suitable candidates.
It sounds like these glasses are comparable to the Bolle 100 which are comparable to the NoIR 10% indoor glasses.. ~Meg
Lens blanks from NoIR
-NoIR have recently started making lens blanks available in a base 8 curve (the curve degree of most wrap style sunglasses). Now it's possible to find a fashionable frame with good coverage and get an optical lab to insert the NoIR lenses. The 2% blanks run $46 and the 10% $20+.
Another option is to take your current NoIR fitovers in and have them (local lab) put those lenses into a better looking fitover.~arhayw
Alternatives to NoIRs when in artificial light only
Your eyes will be protected indoors by regular sunglasses if they are dark amber and close fitting.
You will get the most contrast in vision with an amber colored lens because is also filters most blue light.The amber lens creates color distortion which takes some getting used to but anber lens are essential to adequately block artificial light.
For indoor use only, any lens that provides 8% to 12% total visible light transmission (or cuts out 92 to 88 % of the light) is acceptable.
Whenever you are exposed to natural light, you are exposed to infrared rays. That is when you absolutely must have the protection of infrared blocking sunglasses such as NoIR or Bolle 100 or Zeiss.
We recommend that folks use the infrared blocking sunglasses indoors too just for convenience. You already have them, they block light from the sides and top, and they are dark enough. But if style is a major concern and you are inside, try to find a cool pair of very dark, amber sunglasses that wrap around to protect the sides. If light seeps in from the top, you can wear a cap if your work/school dress code allows.
Members' experiences
-I purchased a pair of Bolle Turbulence glasses plus Bolle 100 lenses from peepers.com and had an excellent experience. ~Pepper
-The other day I called Jim Hidalgo, and he's very knowledgeable about glasses. Now I got myself some funky glasses Hidalgo sunglasses for outside (0% IR, 1%UVA, 8% visible light), with option for magnetic clip-ons if it gets too bright out there , and Bolle 100 for inside. ~Michel
-I just replaced my 10% NOIRs with a pair of Bolle Crevasse framse modified with dark 8%, IR-blocking glass lenses from Hidalgo. They are much clearer, though some of the clarity problem with the NOIRs is the scratches from constant use. For any new MP'er, I'd strongly recommend getting something like these. I've had to replace my NOIRs a couple of times, and repair each one more than once before it broke. Glass lenses are less likely to scratch, and glacier glasses from companies like Bolle or Bucci have frames that will take a lot more use and abuse than you'd expect from a lab environment that I think the NOIRs were designed for. I expect you will save money in the long run by going with Bolle/Bucci/Julbo+Hidalgos lenses. ~Chris
P.B. agrees: I really like my glacier glasses with Hidalgo Kontraster glass lenses. These are now available in bifocal, and you can color coat front and/or back and or add mirror finish to bring the light transmission down. If you are fairly near-sighted the center of the lense will be lighter or if far-sighted the outside of lense will be lighter. I am near-sighted and this has not been a problem but actually helps. My problem was the weight of the glass hurting my rather sensitive ears and area around them. I solved this problem by wearing clothe tube glasses holders sold for water sports. On my glasses there are removable ear pieces, so i just took them off. Now most of the weight and pressure is on the back of my head and my ear area is not in agony.
Counterpoint from Meg: I used the same pair of 10% NoIRs nonstop for 2 years without need for a repair. I only got a new pair because I lost them. That's what happens when you are no longer as sun sensitive
I love my ultralight Rx glasses (I'm wearing them in my photo) and I would not be able to tolerate the weight of glass sunglasses on my face. I can take the NoIR Spectrashields off quickly in settings that do not require them (they fit nicely on top of my head ) so that is an advantage. Yes, the plastic of the NoIRs is more easily scratched but if that bothers you, they are cheap enough to replace compared to the price of Rx sunglasses.
-I found the correct glasses after shopping all day for the best price. Bolle (Turbulence) with Bolle 100 replacement lenses. Eyesave.com sells them for 49.99 and they come with tns gun lenses. The 100 lens has to be bought separate for 23.99. Total with shipping 81.93. For anyone out there who cares, don't buy at the mall or sporting goods places like Dick's. They come with a polarized lens stock that doesn't offer enough protection. They look real cool to and you know you have to look good while your sitting around in the dark. ~Mick
Note: The Bolle 100 lens are equivalent to the lighter NoIR 10% lens. Those who are sickest will need the dark 2% NoIRs for outside use.
-We ended up speaking with Jim Hidalgo as others have and found he was extremely helpful. We chose to have the 2059 style frame fitted with glass Kontraster lenses that are color coated to achieve the VLT of 2%, with UV<1%, and IR of 1-2%. These are an amber lens so they should also give good blue light protection. These will be for outdoor protection and are a non-prescription lens in a durable black nylon frame. The frame, lenses, and extra color coating came to $115.
I was somewhat confused by the Hidalgo catalog section about the MP. It stated that the 30% natural green glass lenses they offer would be good for inside protection because they provide the best IR protection of all the lenses. This seemed to be contradictory to the MP website info. stating the importance of blue light protection over IR as long as natural light indoors is minimal. This is why we chose the amber Kontraster and Coppermax lenses instead. Unfortunately Hidalgo's does not sell these with a 30-40% VLT.
Finally we decided to order another pair of dark amber sunglasses from Hidalgo's. These were the D2436 Wraparound black nylon frames with the stock Coppermax lenses. They provide 15%VLT, UVA/B< 1% and IR<9%. They will also provide good blue light protection and cost $50. We figure that he can wear these inside for computer use and TV at night or at work where the Bolle's may be too dark. They will also be a good pair of sunglasses to have for general protection once off the MP and a good spare pair.
My husband has the Bolle Supercell 100's 10% VLT for inside and outside on cloudly days. We ordered these through Peepers.com and have had no problems. They cost 74.00.
We may order the NoIR 40% glasses down the road after we see how he progresses.
-I also researced the Julbo sunglasses line and found that although some offer 5% VLT most of these provide only 70% or less of the IR protection. I believe there is one pair of glacier sunglasses that do provide 95% IR but they were a little too glacier looking for our taste.~Cinket
-I bought a pair of Wiley sunglasses and had an opthamologist put 2% NOIR lenses in those frames. They are goggles that look like regular sunglasses and they have a "Facial Cavity Seal" that forms a tight seal around the eyes. For me, the NOIR 35 frames let in a lot of light from the sides so this new frame, which doesn't let in any light from the sides, should help me with the light sensitivity. When I need to make the occassional trip outdoors during the day (e.g. doctor appointment), I will continue to "double-up" and wear 2% NOIR fit-overs over the new goggles. The degree of light sensitivity I have definetely makes things difficult, but I am just continuing to figure out ways to deal with it and avoid light as much as possible and I'm sure I will get thru this eventually. ~Russ
Concerns about sunglasses lack of style
If you go out and your family still wants to not be seen with you, let them walk and sit separately from you and they may soon realise your health is more important than what other people think.
Remind them that they can put up with you looking funny for a couple of years, or they can put up with you being sicker and sicker until you die. ~P.B.
-Your idea to 'go for it' (MP) without adequate eye protection is unsafe and may sabotage your efforts. You have a life-threatening disease. One that may soon curtail your ability to work. The NoIR sunglasses may look "dumb" but they are the smartest thing you could do. ~Meg
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Mon Jan 3rd, 2005 22:35 |
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[filelink]
Prescription sunglasses
Once you have experienced the incredible difference that good sunglasses can make, you may want to have a good set of prescription lenses made. The best lenses are made by Carl Zeiss. However, the Zeiss prescription sunglasses cost hundreds of dollars. They will be very expensive, but you wear them everywhere and the comfort is surely worth it...
Of course - if you are lucky enough to still have 20:20 vision you can buy the 73mmx2mm "Plano Lens Blanks" from NoIR. You need part numbers 01L and 07L (equivalent to 901 and 907, respectively). Unfortunately these are not available to prescription, just as plain filter lenses.
Look around for a pair of frames with large lenses and leather side pieces to keep out light from the sides. Don't bother too much about the quality of their lenses - you will be discarding them. I use the Aviator style Ray-Ban L2846 and L2821 frames (62mm) with the custom leather 'Alpine' side-shields that are available in Europe. The bottom of the large frame sits on my cheeks, cutting out most of the light which might enter from ground and shirt reflections.
When you have the frames then you have to find an optometrist who can fit them with the lenses for you. If you can afford the Zeiss Skylet Sport lenses then I recommend getting anti-reflective coatings on both the front and the back. The standard Skylet Sport density is suitable for indoors use, but a double density 97.5% coating will be needed for driving. Make sure you get glass lenses for driving, as the Polycarbonate do not attenuate the InfraRed light. Zeiss Tital 1.7 U85 GE is a very nice glass lens that has been made for me with double density (97.5%) U85 Umbra coatings. This works out fairly well. I use Progressive Multi-focals ("Gradal HS") in the Skylet Sport polycarbonate for inside use. Only the single vision is available in the glass (which is what I use when when driving).
The optician in my local Walmart has consistently produced the best prescription for me. I then have a cheap pair of normal glasses made to check the prescription, and then send it to my optometrist in Denmark. He gets the lenses made in Germany, Austria and Italy. I live in California. I have found it no trouble to send the prescription halfway around the world and wait for the glasses in the mail. The ability to live and function knowing that each day will be fully productive far outweighs any inconvenience...
Typical 60mm large frame Alpine sunglasses
with leather side-shields (click image for more information)
For many years I used Zeiss Tital 1.7 U85 GE (a very nice glass lens) with double density (97.5%) U85 Umbra coatings and double anti-reflective layers as driving lenses (in RayBan Aviator Frames). I found I still had to put two layers of polarized clip-ons over the top, and, of course, I had the Ray-Ban European style leather side pieces designed for those frames, which kept out (nearly) all light from the side.
These lenses were a little dark for indoors (even without the clip-ons), where I used the highest-density of the Skylet Sport polycarbonate series.
About 15 yrs ago, I became less light sensitive and I wanted folks to see my eyes at meetings. I found Zeiss "clarlet Skylet fun' lens adequate. I guess you would classify them as "50%" lenses; they are designed just for protecting healthy eyes from glare, and they do that real well.
You can get these lenses in Oz. I had mine mounted into large Aviator-style Ray-ban frames. In a few years you can use them for driving glasses
..Trevor..
Rx prescription sunglasses availble from http://www.opticsdirect.com/
Other prescription lens
Protecting your eyes when color distortion is a problem
Some members, for professional reasons (work with computer graphics, etc.), NoIRs are not an option because of color distortion. Zeiss lenses may make it possible for these folks to be able to have adequate eye protection and maintain necessary function.
Members' experiences
-Ordered pair of prescription Bucci Kamet sunglasses from opticus.com. They sent a pair of Julbo teardrops, and the Buccis to test. The Buccis aren't on their web page yet, but they suggested them as they have a better fit on the side pieces more suitable to the Marshall Protocol. I had my local optician measure them.
Also see Opticus Inc. fits prescriptions to glacier, sports, fishing ...
Prescription glacier glasses. Product information.
http://www.opticus.com/ -
Hildagos can put mirror coated or non mirror coated glass Kontraster prescription lenses into most frames that you supply ( even bifocal now).
Just check with them and order catalog, the new one talks about the Marshall Protocol. Web site http://www.hidalgos.com has lense transmission data section and place to get catalog.
http://www.opticus.com has a wide selection of glacier glasses to look at and they make prescription lenses as well.
http://www.campmor.com has cheap glacier glasses that you can replace lenses elsewhere or wear indoors. ~P.Bear R.N.
p.s.( vanity may be further proof of nanobacteria invading one's brain!)
I have prescription glacier glasses that have about 14% visible light transmission that I would wear under my 2% SpectaShield NOIRs for outdoor use. Now my eyes are becoming less sensitive and I don't usually need both. I never had to wear three sets of lenses, just two.
By using a combination of my light indoor prescription sunglasses (40% vlt), my darker glacier glasses, and the 3 stength of NOIRs to wear over them I have had a wide range of options for light sensitivity and light conditions. I just carry a man purse with me full of sunglasses, gloves, head and face protection.
One could get by with just wearing one pair of glasses at a time if you had enough money to have many pairs made, but it would be steep. I tolerated driving in bright sun with the total visual light transmission down to just 0.28%. I really needed this much reduction. This level of reduction is unheard of in most glasses makers, since few people have eyes that are so sensitive. ~May 23rd 05 - Chris
Prescription glasses with NoIRs
-I have finally, after much effort and research, got my very own NoIRs with a prescription!  What's that, you say? NoIR doesn't make prescription lenses! Quite true. They don't. BUT...
I found a company that makes sunglasses that have an insert that holds your Rx. It's mounted inside the sunglasses, right behind the dark lenses. Please have a look at http://www.opticsdirect.com/motorcycle_goggles_and_glasses.htm and look well down the page for the model #1832 "Wind". You can see how the insert fits in them. They are a wraparound style, and are very similar in size and shape to the NoIR #35 model that has just become available (but that's in non-Rx, of course).
Once I had my "Wind" glasses made with my Rx, I ordered lens blanks from NoIR and had them cut by a local optical shop to replace the dark front lenses that came with the glasses. And there you have it! The protection of real NoIR lenses, with your Rx. (FYI, the NoIR lens blanks were 8 base curve, amber - you have to specify! And check them against your glasses when the come, they messed up and sent me the wrong curve the first time)
I have 2 pairs, 2% and 10% amber. They are great. One trick that I thought of, but haven't yet tried is to have the lenses in the insert made as sunglasses as well. Those who have extreme light sensitivity could get a lot of light reduction that way. It beats doubling up with clip-ons. You can even buy extra sets of Rx inserts if you want a dark pair and a clear pair.
Cost? Well, the glasses were $120 with the Rx put in them, and the NoIR blanks were about $35 (?) for the 2% and $20 or so for the 10%. Even if your optician charges you to cut the blanks (mine didn't) you get a pair of glasses for well under $200. Not too shabby!
I hope this is of some help to those who can't get along without prescription lenses. When you call OpticsDirect, be sure to talk to Barry - he knows about the Marshall Protocol and I had a long conversation with him about what I was doing. I also warned him that he might get a flood of calls once the word got out! He can't yet fit the NoIR lenses for you, but that might be possible in the future. For now, you'll have to get the blanks yourself and take them to an optical shop and have them cut to shape.
Just FYI, there are some other glasses brands out there with Rx inserts. Rudy Project makes a few models, but I wasn't able to find one that gave me the coverage I wanted. Your face may work great with them, so they are worth looking for if you can find a place that carries them so you can try them on first. In fact, I would even suggest that you order a pair of the "Wind" model without the Rx put in and try them on first for fit. If they don't fit, you can send them back or just eat the $60 and sell them to another MP-er. The inserts do sit pretty close to your eyes, and my lashes nearly touch them.It's not perfect, but it's a workable solution. ~Knochen
-Most glacier glasses range from 8 to 12 % VLT, but darker ones can be made. You would not be able to use them after you heal because they would be too dark. If you want to look at a good selection of glacier glasses styles look at the opticus web site. ~P.B.
-My Noirs work perfectly as far as the MP goes. But as far as my work goes they fall a little short. I work in a "retail" centred environment where looks and image are everything. I am responsible for much of that "look". And as much as I hate to admit it it's very hard to be taken seriously at a meeting with rich, healthy, image conscious, prospective clients whilst wearing a pair of Noir fit overs  I have to take them off sometimes just for image and sometimes more necessarily to make very precise subjective judgements regarding colours and surface finishes etc. But I could do without the setbacks.
I explained all the above to the optometrist and he has ordered me some medical grade "Corning?" lenses with extra anti reflective coatings to both sides. They stop UV, blue and IR and near IR, he says they are the gold standard of even medical lenses and will allow less energy to enter my eye and have better colour rendition than even zeis and noir (I will keep you posted on that one  ). They are photochomic and range from 6-18% they are intended to be worn outside but for me they will be for inside, in my darkened house/office, mainly for viewing CRT's and also for moving around my place of work which is lit by fluorescents . I hope that they will help me out when the need arises. If they don't I will simply have to carry on with the Noirs.
He also said that by using the anti reflective coatings and very carefully choosing the frames so that the lenses were firstly as close to the surface of my eye and secondly as large as possible that the angle that light incident to the surface of my eye (from the sides) would not be able to enter it but would be refracted away and /or absorbed by the anti reflective coating. Again I will keep you posted. I have to wait 3-4 weeks for them to arrive.
I will wait and see. The proof hopefully will be in my quite expensive pudding. If anyone has tried these Corning lenses (you won't find the exact ones on the web, I have looked) and they don't work please let me know so that I can order in a few alcoholic beverages (no beer) to drown my sorrows. ~patrickburke
-Update Nov07: My Corning CFP "GlareCutters" are prescription photochromic lenses. I don't wear them any more or my Noirs  , as my eye light sensitivity is negligible now. I think I have only had one slight incidence of dizziness since I was suddenly able to manage without them in May and that occurred after standing up quickly and so may not have even been light related. I have worn them as sunglasses whilst driving and found them to be very comfortable.
My experience of wearing them when I was light sensitive is limited in that I never really wore them outside in open sunlight. Mainly due to that fact that I hardly ever ventured out into open daylight, I suspect however that they would not be as good as Noirs outside as, to me, they did not appear to block IR which is as you know a major component of sunlight.
However, I did find them to be considerably better than Noirs at stopping the negative effects of fluorescent tubes indoors which is probably due to better blue light filtration. Obviously this is of little use in most circumstances as most rooms have at least some proportion of sunlight. But they did have their uses, indoors at night and in rooms that were totally artificially lit. The other down side is that they do not have the full wrap around coverage of other alternatives and I had to wear horrible looking side shields. They are a little dark for indoor use even in the lightened stage and are somewhere between the 2% and 10% Niors. They are definitely a lot better than nothing.
I had my best all round results with Noir 35's and contact lenses. ~patrickburke
-Can advise that neither Sola, Zeiss (lens manufacturers), Paris Miki or OPSM et al are able to produce or buy a lens with 10% visible light as well as the 100% IR, UV and Blue light protection... (just in case anyone else would like to spend 3 days talking to store managers, customer service reps, lab technicians and glass chemists around the country). ~Sydney Chris
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Fri Jan 21st, 2005 11:02 |
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[filelink]
Four types of sunglasses and their typical use
NoIR 2%: outside, especially during sunny conditions but also on cloudy days
NoIR 10%: outdoors on days which are particularly cloudy,indoors for computer use and watching TV; inside stores
NoIR 40%: outdoors at night while walking dog and driving; sometimes indoors while on computer and watching TV, especially at night
Bolle100: same use as NoIR 10% but especially while watching TV while lying down with my head turned sideways on a pillow (the NoIR's had started to draw blood on the side of my nose from the pressure) and while in stores and at the movies. I don't/can't use these while on the computer or reading because I need reading glasses and only the NoIR 700 series work for me with those.
Sometimes I interchange the 10% and 40%, depending what is closest at hand. I don't really pay much attention to whether I am using the 10% or 40% indoors. Sometimes I push my glasses up onto the top of my head only to find out that there was already a pair (or two, if I was reading) up there. Well, at least it's efficient storage; I don't have to get up to go find them....
You really don't need to be anxious about whether you are wearing the correct lenses; your eyes will tell you if the glasses you have on are dark enough. If they are comfortable, then you are fine. If your eyes are feeling sensitive, put on a darker pair. ~ Pepper
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Fri Jan 21st, 2005 11:04 |
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[filelink]
NoIR clipons
NoIR has amber hook-ins (which fit between the eye and one's prescription eyeglasses). The primary demand for hook-ins comes from those who must use a microscope in their line of work, but that they may prove less bulky than the clip-ons when combined with the Spectrashields.
Whether or not the clip-ons, which do not provide any side protection, are going to be adequate for you at work depends on the lighting situation. If you are under lots of fluorescent lights, it may not be enough.
I work with patients and so do other medical professionals who are on the MP. The Spectrashield fitovers come in various shades of darkness so that you can see adequately in most situations. And you can remove them if you need to assess something more specific such as color. None of my patients have complained that I wear sunglasses.
Those of us who must wear prescription glasses have fewer options than those who do not. Dark-amber, regular sunglasses are acceptable to wear when you are not exposed to infrared rays but they do not fit over Rx glasses. The Bolle 100s which are equivalent to the NoIR 10% are very stylish but do not come in fitovers.
Office light can be shielded from above by wearing a cap if necessary but we also need the protection from the sides that the fitovers provide so we Rx glasses-wearers are stuck with the Spectrashields (fitovers) as the most attractive option. But they aren't so awful to wear when health is more important than image.
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Thu May 12th, 2005 22:22 |
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Getting a good fit
If your NoIRs keep slipping:
You can order "ear loks" from http://www.wdrake.com. "They have kept my glasses snug and I no longer have to keep pushing them back up." ~Donna
I tried the above site but I couldn't seem to order from outside the US or Canada. Hence did a search on the internet and found another product called "wedgees" also from the US but the company http://www.Wedgees.com were happy to post them to Australia for same postage. Took less than a week to arrive. They are a bit tight on the fitover NoIR's (the arm is a bit wide) but I managed to get them on and they fit very well over the wraparounds and do the same job...stop the NoIR's from slipping over your nose. Price was good. I bought 5 pairs for 7.95 and they threw in an additional pair. The shipping was around 5.00. ~Inge
Sore ears may be caused by inflammation
Sunglasses may press on swollen lymph nodes around the head and ears. Temporal and ear pain can be just another symptom of Th1 inflammation due to lymph nodes in the area. I can recall that pre-MP the pain around my ears was so troubling I sometimes couldn't bear the pressure of my reading glasses above my ears for more than half an hour at a time. This was a problem that later appeared with immunopathology. Motivation and education are key to overcoming. ~Belinda
Nosepads
One problem that I did develop with the NOIRs is that they starting abrading the skin on my nose. I eventually found clear silicon adhesive nose pads at Rite Aid. ~EHB
I have a small face, tiny nose and wear glasses. I bought the smallest fit-over Noirs, but they are still quite large for my face. My nose sort of does not seem to have enough space for holding 2 sets of glasses and wearing the Noirs always really hurt on my nose, plus they would slide forward all the time. After months of using cotton-wool pads underneath (to pad the nose), strings on top to hold them up, Chums in the back to prevent them from sliding forward, I have finally found acceptable nose-pads that made all of these measures unnecessary. They are foamy, with a surface structured enough in order to prevent sliding. They actually stick to the glasses (not the nose) and don't come off when cleaning the glasses. If you don't like the skin-colored ones, just paint their frontal edges with a waterproof black felt pen. They'll just look like part of your glasses. If the pads start getting slippery, just wipe them with a bit of alcohol (Take care to not get any onto the lenses !). I found them on Amazon. Just copy this into the search bar: "Nose Pads By Apex Healthcare Products" and they will come up under the first point (don't go for the silicone ones, they look hideous, stick to the nose instead of the glasses and are mighty uncomfortable). They're dirt cheap (I think I paid around 1.50 $ for 15 pads), the shipping is more expensive than the pads themselves, but they arrived pretty swiftly. Overseas shipping is available and it is o.k. to pay with international credit cards.
I hope this will be of help particularly to those members who don't live around the corner of any of the drugstore-chains and have to rely on ordering things through the mail (I found no other seller of nosepads on the web).
If NoIRs don't fit over your reading glasses
I've ordered a couple of pairs of "OPTX 20/20 Stick On Reading Lenses" (from Aircraft Spruce) to make continual wearing of the NOIR glasses a little easier. The NOIR do not fit well over my reading glasses. ~Chris
Sealing sunglasses for maximum protection
To seal the glasses to the face you need a hot glue gun and pieces of foam plus a black material-spongey that comes in sheets from craft shop- my husband hunted both down. The foam alone is not totally light proof. You need the black stuff. Can get more specifics from him. But he first lined all my glasses on inside with sponge aroung the frame to make a seal to my skin and then overlayed with the black material to stop penetration of light. The bolles just have sponge on inside and can be put under granny style that is overlayed with black stuff. So the bolles are good for indoor and awesome under granny that is sealed for extra lense thickness. The fogging to me is a good side effect as it means you're well protected. It took alot of time as he had to shape to my face and you must have a steady hand. He had put just blinders on spectras but the lenses on those are not as good as the granny style. ~Mkap2nd (Marisa):
You could try glacier glasses that have side shields and have Hildago's put in a script, and if need be wear SpectaShields over them like I do. Also nose guards can be added to Spectrashields to stop light leak around the nose, but it looks funny. ~P.Bear
Note: Maximum reduction of light falling on the eyes would benefit anyone with Th1 inflammation but this isn't necessary unless you are very symptomatic and/or your eyes are extremely photosensitive.
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Thu May 19th, 2005 17:29 |
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Maintaining your NoIR sunglasses
Check Spectrashields screw pin
Spectrashields are made of a more durable plastic but sometimes their tiny screws loosen and fall out.
Check the screw pins, periodically, to see if they are tight. You will need a very fine screw driver. It is a Phillips head screw, but I used a small straight slot screw driver.
I just returned from a road trip and lost pins on two pairs of my NoIR Spectrashields....... in two consecutive days! These glasses were only about 3 months old. I called Kate at NoIR, and she predictably offered to send out replacement glasses. (apparently, they don't have screws readily available) ~John Dresser
To prevent scratching the lens
If you fold up your glasses (to place in the protective case for instance), place a cloth between the lens and the end of the arm so it won't scratch the lens. Or.......don't fold them. They are supposed to be hard coated, but I did notice mine were being marked when folded. ~John Dresser
Cleaning
NoIR sunglasses have a patented coating to block infrared rays. To maintain the integrity of this coating do not clean them with an alcohol product.
The recommended cleaning method is soap and water. Then dry carefully with a soft cloth, not a paper towel.
To repair NOIR glasses
Recently one morning I sat on a pair of my NOIR (fitover) glasses. I slid backwards onto them while on a dentists chair. The arm on the pair of glasses broke off. By the afternoon I was wearing the glasses again.
To repair a pair NOIR glasses, go to your nearest plastics shop and purchase a small (ex. 55ml) bottle of methylene chloride. Using an appropriate applicator (ex. small polyethelene squeeze bottle), wet both of the exposed broken surfaces and then place them together. This is process actually welds the parts together. It does not glue them together. The bond is amazing. It's as if the glasses never broke.
Please do this in a well ventilated area. The vapours are harmful. ~KenC
NoIR will replace broken glasses.
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 17:06 |
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Night driving
-You will be able to determine when and where the NoIRS are especially needed because of your comfort level. Also, everyone's individual needs will vary throughout the MP. Your experience from trial and error will be the best source.
Of course, one must consider the aspect of driving as a totally different scenerio, so please do not jeopardize your and other's safety with your darkest NoIRs. ~Carole
-People's eyes and what they need to use at different phases can vary quite a bit. I originally had to drive with 1% or 2% over 15 % in daylight and 10% at night; but now have progressed to using 40% at night and now only need 1/5th the protection I needed to use to drive in daylight. Some people never are able to use the 10% at night or even the 2% in daytime driving, because their eyes don't have the same level of sensitivity. It is up to the individual to judge how well they can see to be safe.
At my worst I had to wear 10% NOIRs to read, but I generally found it easier myself to read with a dim light above and behind my head and would wear NOIRS for computer activity or watching videos. Now I am down to lighter tinted glasses indoors for all activities, tolerating about four times more light than my more sensitive time.
My 10% noirs have finally gotten too dark at night, and I do quite well now with a 30% VLT amber lense. I will then eventually go to 40% noirs and then to yellow night driving glasses when I am finally off the protocol. ~ P.B
-I have to use clear lenses when driving now. The changeover came at about the time that the oncoming headlights were no longer painful. At that time it was becoming hard to make out features on the roadway. ..Trevor..
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Tue Jul 5th, 2005 01:33 |
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PROTECTING YOUR EYESlink
Yellow or amber-tinted sunglasses best
The blue blocking is simply a function of the color of the lens. The sunglasses that push the blue blocker feature are generally no different from other sunglasses of the same color. Yellow blocks the most blue, but the color shift is so radical that amber is more commonly used.
The amber color has no effect on IR. The NoIR lenses have a coating that blocks IR and can be used with other colors. I believe they provide 3 or 4 different colors with IR blocking.
The real benefit of the amber is that for a given visable light transmission, the amber will provide brighter vision while allowing less light energy to enter the eye. The negative is that for many of us, the color shift is a bit stomach turning. ~Ken
Researcher thinks blue-light might be involved in macular degeneration. http://tinyurl.com/muab8
Polarized
No glare almost always means polarized and never no IR. Polarized lenses are very poor at blocking IR radiation, but great for stopping glare. We need NOIR or equivalent for outdoor use. The darker Maui Jims would be fine for indoor use; but are not dark enough for outdoor use in daylight.
best, P.B.
Last edited on Wed Aug 6th, 2008 03:08 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Mon Jul 25th, 2005 18:24 |
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Protecting your eyes at work
Modifications to your work environment
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to allow modifications to your work environment, due to a disabling condition.
You may want to contact someone about that first, then tell your boss you need to wear NoIRs, which are a medical device. They may even have to pay for them for you and any other adjustments needed to make your work environment suitable such as changing fluorescent lighting and darkening shades to your area.
Members' experiences
-I had a couple of co-workers say it unnerved them a bit when I first started, so I took a little dot (2mm) of bright orange paper from a post-it note and stuck it right in the center of the nosepiece and told them to look at that if they didn't know where else to look. It works! (also a good technique for confrontation if you want to "look someone in the eye" but not get unnerved by them in return - just stare at the point between the eyebrows where the nose stops.) In any case, you'll get used to having the glasses on. Just treat them like you would if you had crutches or a wheelchair. When you see people reacting to them, remember you are sick and this is a medical device. Any problem they have with it is just that - their problem. Saying, "I have a medical condition" is usually sufficient for the curious who ask. ~Knochen
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| 24+ years not Dx| ABCofMP
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Sun Jul 31st, 2005 01:07 |
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PROTECTING YOUR EYESlink
Oakley sunglassses are not enough protection
Oakley sunglasses usually do filter out most blue light, but their darkest lens has only 9% visible light transmission and has too much infra-red (IR) transmission for outdoor use.
http://oakley.com/innovation/optical_superiority/lens_tints
http://oakley.com/innovation/optical_superiority/uv_protection
2% visible light transmission with no IR is the usual minimum goal for an outdoor lens for the MP. Their darkest would be fine for most for indoor use at beginning of MP for watching the tube or computer. I might choose a gold iridium tint for greatest contrast.(see above link) At later stages in MP you might be able to get by with them outdoors. It would depend on your particular level of eye involvement. The problem with plastic lenses is that as a rule only NOIR and some welding lenses (in plastic) have enough IR protection for outside use. Polarized lenses are all very bad in the IR department. ~P.B.
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Sun Jul 31st, 2005 15:13 |
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PROTECTING YOUR EYESlink
Light avoidance simplified
Natural light (outside light from dawn to dusk even on cloudy days, including reflected light, light coming into house or tinted car windows or office)
-avoid on skin and in eyes (sunglasses must shield from infrared*)
-block natural light from coming into your home
-dawn and dusk approximate the recommended low artificial lighting of 30 lux and may be okay for some folks
Inside (artificial) light
-no need to cover skin
-protect eyes (may wear sunglasses that don't shield infrared*)
-dim lights to 30 Lux
-may not need to wear sunglasses at home if lights are dimmed to 30 lux, eyes feel comfortable and no intolerable neuro symptoms
Computer & television:
-switch brightness down and/or wear sunglasses
Fluorescent light:
-protect eyes > wear NoIRs and cap with a bill
-dim to 30 lux
Incandescent light:
-ok to use if not too bright or direct to eyes
-dim to 30 lux
-avoid bright light in eyes
-wear sunglasses or have light indirect
Halogen light:
-dim to 30 lux
-protect eyes from direct light by cap & sunglasses
Avoid:
-all bright light to eyes including car headlights. Wear NoIRs unless they obstruct your vision while driving
Recommended NoIRs are:
2% (outdoor)
10% (indoor)
40% (low lighting situations)
Some things to watch for:
-fluorescent lighting in stores
-natural light thru skylights, windows (cover skin, wear NoIRs)
*UVA/UVB blocking sunglasses for indoors use
Infrared protection is only needed for natural light, not computer or TV light. It's okay to use only UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses for those circumstances. There is a lot of blue spectrum light emitted from fluorescent lights, so you may need dark amber UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses under fluorescents and it might be difficult to find a pair that block out enough light.
-How do you know whether you're going to turn out to be sensitive to light?
You don't.
-Do you just darken the house by default and test later while on Benicar whether you can stand any exposure?
Yes
-Do I need to have the house absolutely blacked out and only use low lux artificial light?
Let's break down the problem into the two important areas, light on the skin, and light in the eyes. The effects are somewhat different.
Skin is pretty easy. If you are in these partially sunlit areas of the house, wear something that will block the light. If you have the light mostly blocked in your home, you can be OK with lighter weight clothing (like a Zensah long sleeve undershirt(black) with a dark, tight-weave buttondown shirt over and jeans for the legs Anything that is sticking out, like your face/neck/hands/ankles should have some zinc oxide on it if you plan to be there for more than say 1/2 hour. If it's got enough sun to move around and work by, you need to do some skin protection, as above, but you don't have to go totally nuts like you do when you go outside. In your current situation, that's probably all you need do in the house in the protected areas.
Eyes, on the other hand, you will need to protect in the sort of lighting conditions you are describing. Unless you have virtually all the sunlight blocked, you can't take your Noirs off or you risk the consequences of a sun flare. The eyes are very responsive to light, and it doesn't take much to set some people off. Sunlight is especially bad, so if there is more than just a few pinholes leaking in, keep the noirs on. 10% should be OK for indoors. And, of course, with those on, you can turn up the artificial lights some!
Your best solution is to have some places like the bedroom that really are well and truly blocked from the sun. There are times you just have to get away from it. Then you can have the 30 lux artificial light with no problem, or real dark when you need it (like sleeping). Remember that "eye comfort" will not always tell you that you are OK. It very possible to cause yourself to get some very nasty neurological reactions without "making your eyes hurt". So don't compromise. Fudging this will make you more miserable than you need to be. Trust me, there's plenty as it is. Walking by a bright room and getting your eyes flashed can set it off; it doesn't take much. And wear the Noirs when watching TV or using the computer, too.
Your Vit D levels will probably be OK as long as you protect your skin.The neural effects from eye exposure won't raise your D25 levels (that I know of), but they can, and probably WILL, set off some bad things that you will want to avoid. It can take a while to set in, too. I can get exposed at lunchtime and not be able to sleep that night. It can also cause irritation, moodiness, and discomfort of all kinds that will last a day or more. Assume you are going to be sensitive. Most people are! So do what you can to minimize it. Even with family considerations, you should be able to do this. Keep the noirs on if there is any doubt, and always have them handy if you need to go outside the well protected areas.
Is the bathroom well darkend? It should be. More skin exposure in there The easiest solution is to add a dimmer switch to the bathroom light. I've got them all over the house now in case somebody needs more light, they can turn it up, but otherwise it can be adjusted to a good MP level. This sort of switch will fit into most existing installations with no modification.
See also:
Do car windows, cloudy skies or geographical location affect the amount of sun exposure?
Why does exposure to natural light increase symptoms?
Last edited on Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 14:21 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Thu Aug 25th, 2005 23:48 |
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PROTECTING YOUR EYESlink
How to turn down the brightness of a TV screen or computer monitor
The controls for brightness on a TV screen are usually accessed from a "menu." If you have a remote control, look it over and see if there is a "menu" button. After hitting the menu button, there should be a place to change brightness.
Computer monitors usually have dials on the front. One of those dials should allow you to get to the point you can adjust the brightness. Belinda
Television-use the remote and go to menu > picture > > brightness; from there.
Computer-mine has a round knob on the front lower frame of the monitor, which can be pushed in and then turned to find the brightness / contrast icon to change.
On computers, you may need to turn down contrast more than brightness. Brightness on my dell flatscreen does nothing really. Contrast does alot. If there aren't dials on yours then there should be buttons. Hercules
see also computer display colors another way to darken the screen.
What kind of computer monitor is best?
VLF and ELF from CRT monitors don't make you sick. The light from the screen does.
The problem with Flat-panel displays is that most use flourescent backlighting. So the spectrum presented to the eyes is about the same from both CRTs and LCDs. The key thing is to get a monitor which looks reasonably good at very low light outputs
Flat panel displays have flourescent tubes in them, and can put out significant blue light. There is usually a setting called "Color Temperature" on modern monitors. The lower you set it, for example 3500 degrees, the more blue light is attenuated. This doesn't totally fix the problem, but is a help.
... Trevor ...
Reversing computer to dark bkgrnd with white print
I have some very helpful news that I hope makes the computer access easier for those of us with sensitive eyes. I have tried everything that I found on the MP web board and downloaded software, etc on trying to get a black background with white print on my computer screen, and none of it worked for me.
My husband figured it out recently and it is SOOO easy. I know this will work for some people, but not for all. AND I have found that when I went to send a regular email to my sister, she said she got a black screen, so sometimes I have to go back and forth with black backgrounds and white backgrounds, but it's so easy to do in a few seconds. I have a PC, but my husband figured this out on his MAC, so it is pretty much the same on both.
-Click on the Start Button lower left hand corner of computer
-Click on "Control Panel"
-Click "Accessability Options"
-Click "Display" tab
-Check "Use High Contrast"
-Click on "Settings" and check "High Contrast Black" (or on the large or extra large if you want bigger print) Click "Okay"
-Click "Apply"
-Click "OK"
It's SO much easier on the eyes and SO easy. I can use even my 10%s now to see clearly on the computer, whereas before even 2%s were hard. ~Vikki
Word-processing software for those sensitive to light
Computer desktop colour changes and minimalization of radiation from screen?
Font size of messages on board
Changing computer display colors
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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