Frequently Asked Questions About NaturaLux Light Filters

NaturaLux filters are professional-grade lighting solutions that transform harsh fluorescent and LED light into natural, comfortable light. They reduce glare by up to 90%, block harmful UV radiation, color-correct the light spectrum, and reduce visual stress.

They work through specially engineered materials with colored pigments and UV-absorbing compounds that filter light as it passes through, creating a more balanced and natural lighting environment. Designed by a certified ophthalmic specialist for visual ergonomics, not just diffusion.

Flat Panel Covers

For fixtures that already have a plastic panel or metallic louver. Sits on top of your existing fixture. Works with both fluorescent and LED panels.

Tube Covers

For open fixtures with exposed bulbs and no supporting panel. The bulb slides into the sleeve and twists back into place.

Do not use tube covers on T5 HO (high output) bulbs. They generate too much heat.

Changing bulb color temperature alone cannot solve glare, UV exposure, or CRI issues. NaturaLux filters provide all four benefits simultaneously:

• Up to 90% glare reduction via reflective coating technology (primary cause of headaches)
• UV blocking: 100% UVB, up to 98% UVA
• CRI improvement from 88.4 to 95.3
• Color correction without needing expensive specialty bulbs

Even if you use 5000K bulbs, you still need our filters to reduce glare and block UV radiation.

Generic diffusers scatter light to reduce brightness. NaturaLux was designed for visual ergonomics by a certified ophthalmic specialist and does much more:

• Reduces glare by up to 90% via reflective coating technology
• Blocks 100% UVB and up to 98% UVA radiation
• Improves Color Rendering Index from 88.4 to 95.3
• Class A fire rating (ASTM E84), safe for schools and hospitals
• 10+ year lifespan with no yellowing or degradation

NaturaLux filters reduce light output by about 20%, allowing 80% of the light through. Most commercial spaces are over-lit. That excess light is what creates glare. Eliminating it makes the space more comfortable without feeling dim.

• Single filter: ~20% light reduction, up to 90% glare reduction
• Two filters stacked: ~36% light reduction (for very bright environments)

NaturaLux Filters

• Engineered colored pigments embedded in plastic material
• Consistent performance for 10+ years
• Eliminate glare regardless of bulb type
• Work with standard, less expensive bulbs
• Block UV radiation completely

Full Spectrum Bulbs

• Red phosphors decay at an accelerated rate, losing full-spectrum properties over time
• Still emit UV radiation
• Do not eliminate glare

NaturaLux was originally founded in Alaska to address the challenges of limited sunlight and its effects on mood, health, and productivity. Designed by a certified ophthalmic specialist, the filters were built to provide full-spectrum light that mimics natural sunlight. Key benefits that drove the original design:

• Balance the color spectrum to support mood regulation
• Raise CRI to 95.3 for natural color rendering
• Reduce the harsh glare of institutional lighting by up to 90%
• Block UV radiation not filtered by standard bulbs

The NaturaLux filtration technology is protected by three U.S. patents (US4989953, US5218474, US6019476).

NaturaLux was designed by a certified ophthalmic specialist specifically for visual ergonomics, not just to diffuse light. Differentiators:

• Up to 90% glare reduction via specially engineered materials with embedded pigments
• Class A fire rating (ASTM E84) for schools and hospitals
• 10+ year lifespan with no yellowing or degradation
• CRI raised to 95.3 (standard bulbs: 88.4)
• 100% UVB and up to 98% UVA blocked
• Works with existing fixtures, no rewiring

Fluorescent bulb sizes are measured in 1/8″ increments and designated by a “T” number:

• T12 bulbs = 1.5 inches in diameter (12/8″)
• T8 bulbs = 1 inch in diameter (8/8″)
• T5 bulbs = 5/8 inch in diameter

Look for the marking printed on the bulb or box — for example, F32T8SP35 where “T8” is the diameter designation.

Flat Panel Covers

Scissors or utility knife, ruler, clear tape. Trim to fit if needed. Place cover on top of the existing fixture panel or louver.

Tube Covers

No tools required:

• Remove the bulb from the fixture
• Slide the tube cover over the bulb
• Attach the end caps
• Twist the bulb back into the fixture

Flat Panel Covers

Work on most common recessed fixtures including parabolic and prismatic styles. The cover sits on top of the existing panel or louver. Can also be trimmed to fit LED panels.

Tube Covers

Work in open fixtures with no supporting panel or louver, including flush-to-ceiling and suspended fixtures. Not suitable for fixtures where the bulb is enclosed behind glass or a panel.

Yes. Our flat panel covers have the following thermal specifications:

• Continuous service temperature: 150–170°F
• Deflection temperature under load: 176°F
• Vicat softening point: 227°F

Designed to safely withstand the heat that fluorescent and LED fixtures can emit.

T5 HO (high output) bulbs generate heat that exceeds safe operating limits for tube covers. Use flat panel covers for those fixtures.

NaturaLux filters address the two primary causes of fluorescent light-triggered migraines: glare and UV exposure. Most people report noticing a difference within the first day once all lights in the area are covered. For best results, ensure all lights within an 8-foot radius are filtered.

Learn more about lighting and migraines.

NaturaLux filters are widely used in sensory environments and specialized learning facilities.

• Up to 50% of individuals with autism have severe sensitivity to fluorescent lighting
• Approximately 69% of people with ADHD report being oversensitive to light

Our filters reduce the flicker that triggers sensory sensitivities, lower the glare that causes visual overstimulation, and create more natural light that may support focus and reduce stress. Learn more about sensory lighting for autism and ADHD.

NaturaLux Filters

• Permanent, room-wide solution
• Benefits everyone in the space
• Creates consistent lighting for all activities
• Many users find they no longer need specialty glasses after installation

Tinted Glasses

• Only help the individual wearing them
• Must be worn continuously
• Cause color distortion that can affect other tasks

NaturaLux was originally founded in Alaska specifically to address SAD and the challenges of limited natural sunlight. Our filters balance the color spectrum to be closer to natural sunlight:

• CRI raised to 95.3 (standard bulbs: 88.4)
• Color temperature balanced closer to natural daylight
• Full-spectrum light that may support mood regulation
• Reduces the harsh blue-shift associated with standard fluorescents

NaturaLux filters provide comprehensive UV protection for light-sensitive conditions:

• 100% UVB radiation blocked (280–320nm)
• Up to 98% UVA energy blocked (320–700nm)
• 100% of UV up to 380nm
• 99% up to 390nm
• 80% up to 400nm

Many individuals with lupus report being able to work a full shift under filtered lighting with significantly reduced UV exposure. Learn more about UV protection for lupus and photosensitivity.

Here is a simple test: place your open hand above your eyebrows as if saluting. If it becomes noticeably easier on your eyes, you are dealing with glare. Other signs:

• Squinting under overhead lights
• Headaches that start or worsen at work
• Eyes feeling tired by mid-afternoon
• Difficulty focusing on computer screens

NaturaLux filters reduce many negative side effects of prolonged fluorescent lighting exposure:

• Reduces the glare associated with headaches and eyestrain
• Blocks UV radiation that can cause long-term health issues
• Provides full-spectrum light that may support mood and sleep regulation
• Reduces visual stress that leads to afternoon fatigue

• 100% UVB radiation blocked (280–320nm)
• Up to 98% UVA energy blocked (320–700nm)
• 100% of UV up to 380nm
• 99% up to 390nm
• 80% up to 400nm

• Flat Panel Covers: 10+ years, from re-lamping to re-lamping
• Tube Covers: 6 to 7 years of continuous use

Both products maintain their color correction, UV blocking, and glare reduction properties throughout their entire lifespan with no degradation.

Flat Panel Covers

• Size: 23.25″ × 48″ × .015″
• Weight: 0.7 lbs per panel
• Material: modified impact acrylic
• Light transmission: 80% (20% reduction)
• Glare reduction: up to 90%
• Haze: less than 1.8%
• UV blocking: 100% UVB, up to 98% UVA
• CRI: raised to 95.3
• Fire rating: Class A (ASTM E84, tested by HPVA Laboratories)
• Lifespan: 10+ years

Tube Covers

• Sizes: T12 (0.28 lbs), T8 (0.2 lbs), T5 (0.1 lbs)
• Material: heat-resistant polycarbonate
• Lifespan: 6–7 years

Not suitable for T5 HO (high output) bulbs.

Yes. When lighting is color-balanced and glare-free, you need less of it. Many facilities reduce from 3 to 4 bulbs per fixture down to 2 bulbs after installing NaturaLux while maintaining better quality lighting. Better quality light means less total light needed.

Yes. NaturaLux filters meet requirements for commercial and institutional use. The Class A fire rating (ASTM E84) certifies them for use in schools, hospitals, government buildings, and other regulated facilities. They support workplace wellness programs by reducing glare-related eye strain and UV exposure — common occupational health concerns under extended artificial lighting.

More than 30,000 NaturaLux filters have been installed across organizations with fluorescent or LED overhead lighting:

• Commercial: Corporate offices, open-plan workspaces, co-working centers
• Education: K-12 schools and classrooms, universities, special education programs
• Healthcare: Clinics, hospitals, dental offices, therapy centers
• Government: Municipal offices, courthouses, federal facilities, public buildings
• Retail: Stores, showrooms, museums, galleries
• Industrial: Warehouses, manufacturing floors, distribution centers

If you are unsure whether NaturaLux is right for your space, call us at 612-399-6484 or request a quote.

Flat panel covers start at $37.99 per panel. Ordering in multi-panel quantities significantly reduces the per-unit cost, since shipping one panel costs the same as shipping 6 to 8. Bulk pricing is available for large facility orders.

Request a quote for volume pricing.

Yes. Special pricing is available for:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Schools and universities
• Teachers purchasing out of pocket
• Government agencies at local, state, and federal levels

Submit a quote request and include your organization type to see if you qualify.

We ship anywhere in the world. For U.S. shipments, standard shipping rates apply through FedEx. For international shipments, including Canada which we ship to frequently, fill out a quote request for shipping costs and applicable customs information.

We do not offer free samples. For facility evaluation, we recommend starting with a small enclosed room or office where you can filter all the lights. Testing in an open area where unfiltered light mixes with filtered light will dilute the effects.

For best results, cover all lights within an 8-foot radius around the person who will benefit most. Order a single panel to evaluate in your space.