Managing Photosensitivity with Light filters + A Giveaway!
Now that summer is here, most of us are starting to spend more time outdoors. Hello, summer! Hello, sunshine! With that extra time outside, most of us know to take necessary precautions against UV exposure and glare with appropriate clothing, hats, eye protection and skincare in order to avoid a flare caused by the sun.
But for many, photosensitivity is a year-round, indoor issue, too: fluorescent lighting at home or in the office can cause fatigue, eyestrain, headaches, and more. I distinctly remember having a “lighting” conversation with my employer years ago when I worked in an office. It’s a real issue - one that I’m so happy to see now has a solution!
Last month I was contacted by Make Great Light about their filters for fluorescent lighting, and I think their products sound really interesting. I haven’t tried the filters yet, but here's what they do:
*Eliminate all fluorescent light glare, which is a major cause of eyestrain
*Absorb UV radiation, which is a known Lupus flare-up trigger
*Output full spectrum light
*Color balance and correct light
Make Great Light has a cute, easy-to-understand video that gives a great overview. Check it out:
The filters come in two options – tube covers that slide over a traditional fluorescent light tube, which would be great for an office or basement, and panel overlays, which are a big sheet that can be placed on the bottom of a fluorescent fixture cover, or actually cut to size for any light fixture at home!
I’m happy to announce that Make Great Light has offered to provide either a set of tube filters or an overlay panel to a lucky Despite Lupus reader!
Here's how the give-away will work:
Leave a comment or send an email to sara@despitelupus.com, and give us details about your flourescent light exposure - where in your home or work it happens, how many hours per day, how it affects you, and your email address. We'll accept entries between now and Sunday, June 21st. We'll then pick the winning entry, and announce the winner later that week.
And for those of you eager to try the filters right away, Make Great Light is offering a 20% discount on orders over $40 through June 30 with the code LUPUS20. Check out their website here, and be sure to send us your winning entry!
But for many, photosensitivity is a year-round, indoor issue, too: fluorescent lighting at home or in the office can cause fatigue, eyestrain, headaches, and more. I distinctly remember having a “lighting” conversation with my employer years ago when I worked in an office. It’s a real issue - one that I’m so happy to see now has a solution!
Last month I was contacted by Make Great Light about their filters for fluorescent lighting, and I think their products sound really interesting. I haven’t tried the filters yet, but here's what they do:
*Eliminate all fluorescent light glare, which is a major cause of eyestrain
*Absorb UV radiation, which is a known Lupus flare-up trigger
*Output full spectrum light
*Color balance and correct light
Make Great Light has a cute, easy-to-understand video that gives a great overview. Check it out:
The filters come in two options – tube covers that slide over a traditional fluorescent light tube, which would be great for an office or basement, and panel overlays, which are a big sheet that can be placed on the bottom of a fluorescent fixture cover, or actually cut to size for any light fixture at home!
I’m happy to announce that Make Great Light has offered to provide either a set of tube filters or an overlay panel to a lucky Despite Lupus reader!
Here's how the give-away will work:
Leave a comment or send an email to sara@despitelupus.com, and give us details about your flourescent light exposure - where in your home or work it happens, how many hours per day, how it affects you, and your email address. We'll accept entries between now and Sunday, June 21st. We'll then pick the winning entry, and announce the winner later that week.
And for those of you eager to try the filters right away, Make Great Light is offering a 20% discount on orders over $40 through June 30 with the code LUPUS20. Check out their website here, and be sure to send us your winning entry!
Comments
Katherine
This is Erik from Make Great Light. I'd be happy to share some information with you, along with tips for approaching your building manager. Please send me an email at Erik AT Makegreatlight Dot Com. Hope to hear from you soon!
Thanks,
Erik, from Make Great Light
I often feel ill in large box stores, and thought it might be due to the wavelength used for high security tags. One store in particular, Kohls, affects me so strongly that I just cannot shop there. I feel dizzy and disoriented after a few minutes there. Sad because I like some of the clothes my daughter buys there.
One question I have is whether LED lighting also affects lupus. The lights are so bright and color under their lighting is often distorted. But other than the brightness, I have never had ill effects from LED lighting.
Please contact me through our website. www.makegreatlight.com
For LED, they do not generate UV rays. They are also becoming more economical for use in the home. The energy efficiency is another big draw for LEDs. However, as you noted, the color can be glaring at times. LEDs do come in the dimmable variety, which can help.
Thanks