Lightbulbs

The following are suggestions to help people affected by UV and blue spectrum light to choose the most appropriate LED lightbulbs. Sadly, some have reported adverse reactions to all LEDs, irrespective of colour temperature, so this advice will not apply to them (except perhaps as being 'the lesser of the evils').

The current regulations for energy efficiency will soon result in only LEDs being available on the market.

Best Option:
1. Choose LED lightbulbs with a colour temperature of 2700k.
(Special "Heritage" bulbs are available at some stores with an even warmer colour temperature.)

2. These LED light bulbs are usually called Warm White and have a lower output of the blue light spectrum. (Avoid Cool White and 'superbright' which have higher blue emissions).
(Be careful - the lower the kelvin number, the warmer and less blue; the higher the kelvin number the cooler and more blue.)

3. If possible choose a filament design. This will generally be stated on the packaging. (Usually a filament LED is comprised only of a glass bulb with a brass lamp holder so avoid plastic based lamps or those with a plastic segment between the glass bulb and metal base).

Proviso:
- Although filament bulbs usually emit warmer light, you may find cold looking filament LEDs that are worse than some non-filament LEDs

- Cheap LED bulbs of all types are prone to flicker

- This is still a difficult market with insufficient product information so you will need to trial what you buy to find something tolerable for you.

Museum Film 200 (UV Dermagard)

The following chart shows that although this film provides a total block of UV rays up to 380 nm, the level of light transmission steadily increases with the longer wavelengths of visible light. It is important to note that almost 80% of visible light at 500 nm is being transmitted through Dermagard. (Manufactured by Sun Guard, Florida, USA)

It is often assumed that protection against UV wavelengths (up to 380nm) will keep you safe. However some people are harmed by the blue spectrum of visible light (beyond 400nm). It is necessary to undergo light testing at a specialist light sensitivity unit to find out which wavelengths are harmful to you.

If you need protection beyond UV, there are window films offering further protection, which can be found in the Bonwyke catalogue, though these may result in colour distortion or a very dim interior.

A person with severe light sensitivity should use a high factor sunscreen (SPF 50 or above) outdoors during all seasons, even on an overcast day. It is equally necessary to wear sunscreen indoors under energy saving lights, which emit high levels of UV and the blue spectrum of visible light. Some sunscreens can be obtained on prescription eg. Uvistat and Sunsense Ultra - ask you doctor about this. Eyes should be protected with prescription glasses, sunglasses or wraparound overglasses that screen out UV. More information about Choosing and Using Sunscreen can be found in the 'Information and Advice' section

Some people may find sunscreen is insufficient and need fabric face shields. These are available from suppliers of sun-protective clothing, notably:

Sunsibility in the UK
web: www.sunsibility.co.uk

Sunprecautions in the USA
web: www.sunprecautions.com
Under "Practical Aids" there are instructions on making a transparent visor which will screen out UV.

Face Shields and Masks

Ski Masks or Balaclavas - for some of us sunscreen is not sufficient and we need more solid face shields. In winter you can get away with ski masks or balaclavas from sports outlets. These are especially useful if it is windy.

Face Shields and Head Wraps - in warmer weather it is possible to use a face shield obtainable from Sunsibility in the UK or the Sun Precautions Company in the USA. Details below

You can view/order items available on www.sunprecautions.com

You can make your own head wraps and face shields by using sun-protective fabric.

De-mister for Dermagard Mask
Prevent or lessen the misting up of your Dermagard mask by using household washing-up liquid or a product especially for this purpose such as: Salclear D-Mist+

Address: P.O. Box 9, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM99 5XY
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)1624 838507
Web: www.salclear.com

Technology has changed rapidly over the past few years, with modern screens having far less electromagnetic radiation but brighter light.

This can be detrimental to those with moderate to severe light sensitivity, making everyday tasks like typing a text message or using the computer difficult.

Filters

BlueShields by LowBlueLightsis a line of one-of-a-kind 100% blue-blocking filter designed to be fitted over smartphones, tablets, computers and TV screens to eliminate blue light which other filters on the market cannot provide.

The LowBlueLights filters can be applied and removed without using any adhesive or leaving a residue on a device’s screen. Also, the filters are approximately 14mil thick allowing for full touchscreen capability.
For more product information or to purchase a filter, click here: https://lowbluelights.com/product-category/screen-filters/

Non-Filter Methods

Depending on your degree and type of sensitivity, one, or any combination of the following may be worth trying:
• Dimming your device’s monitor/screen.
• Adjusting the colour, reducing the blue.
• Extending the keyboard and mouse cables, so as to be able to sit further away.
• Wearing light-proof masks and clothing and dark glasses.

These non-filter methods can be ideal for when watching TV (with a big enough screen). However, they may not work with computer screens because although you can increase the size of the font to be seen at a distance, you cannot necessarily increase the size of a toolbar or some online content.

As reflected light is better than direct light, and a large enough screen makes even computing from 5 metres quite possible, some use a projector to do all their computer work, watching of TV and films. You can get a portable stand-alone TV/DVD projection machine. However, these do need to be aimed centrally at the wall/screen (taking up a lot of space) and may not be suitable for computing. More expensive projectors can be ceiling-mounted and can be used for everything you would otherwise use a television or computer screen for but can cost a lot of money and tie you to one space for everything - certainly not as convenient as a tablet! If you wish to try this, contact a local computer dealer who also deals in projectors/multimedia.

Sony has brought out an e-ink tablet. We hope these will eventually be a marvellous computing device for the light sensitive. As yet however they are hugely expensive and only available in the USA and China.