NoIR Filter 23 – Extra Dark Gray Extreme Light Sensitivity Glasses – 4% VLT

What are the best sunglasses for extreme light sensitivity and photophobia?

If ordinary dark sunglasses still let in too much light, NoIR Filter 23 sunglasses for light sensitivity are designed for much stronger brightness reduction. The extra-dark gray lens has just 4% VLT, meaning it allows approximately 4% of visible light through. That makes this a specialized lens for people who are extremely sensitive to bright light and glare rather than a typical everyday sunglass tint. Filter 23 is associated with photophobia/light sensitivity, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, corneal conditions and glare.

How dark is Filter 23?

Very dark. With only 4% VLT, Filter 23 reduces about 96% of visible light. It is considerably darker than Filter 22 at 11% VLT and Filter 21 at 28% VLT.

The lens is neutral gray, so its main purpose is reducing overall brightness and glare rather than adding the contrast effects associated with amber, yellow or orange lenses.

Who might choose Filter 23?

Filter 23 makes the most sense for someone who knows that regular sunglasses simply are not dark enough. It may be considered for severe photophobia or light sensitivity and for people with conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma or certain corneal disorders when bright light and glare are a major problem.

Because light sensitivity varies considerably from person to person, a 4% VLT lens may be too dark for someone with only mild or moderate sensitivity.

What lighting is Filter 23 best for?

Filter 23 is intended for very bright outdoor conditions and intense glare. Its 4% VLT falls in the very-dark range commonly used when light levels are exceptionally strong, including highly reflective environments. Activities such as walking in strong sun, sitting at outdoor sporting events, being near water or other reflective surfaces, sightseeing in open sunny areas, gardening, and other daytime activities where glare feels overwhelming.

It is not designed for indoor use, dusk, cloudy low-light conditions or nighttime use. With so little visible light coming through, those situations can become too dark.

Are Filter 23 glasses good for driving?

No. Filter 23 should not be used for driving.

A 4% VLT lens falls within Category 4, the very-dark 3–8% VLT range. Category 4 lenses are considered too dark for road use because they can make it difficult to see road details, shadows and changing light conditions. That applies to both daytime and nighttime driving.

Can I wear Filter 23 over my prescription eyeglasses?

Yes. Choose one of the fit-over frame options if you need to keep your regular prescription glasses on underneath. The available fit-over styles provide different sizes and amounts of side/top coverage, so you can choose the frame that best fits over your corrective eyewear.

Which size should I choose?

For fit-over use, compare these measurements with the outside dimensions of your prescription eyeglass frame:

Removable Top Shield: Small 133 × 44 mm / 5.24 × 1.73 in · Medium 142 × 44 mm / 5.59 × 1.73 in · Large 143 × 46 mm / 5.63 × 1.81 in · XL 148 × 49 mm / 5.83 × 1.93 in.

Standard Fit-Over: Medium 140 × 43 mm / 5.51 × 1.69 in · Large 146 × 44 mm / 5.75 × 1.73 in · XL 159 × 52 mm / 6.26 × 2.05 in.

Universal Frame 700: approximately 144 × 43 mm / 5.67 × 1.69 in.

Should I choose Filter 22 or Filter 23?

Choose Filter 22 (11% VLT) if you need a dark gray lens for bright sunlight and glare but do not need the strongest level of visible-light reduction.

Choose Filter 23 (4% VLT) when you have much more significant light sensitivity and an 11% lens still feels too bright.

Filter 23 at a glance

Lens: Extra Dark Gray
Visible Light Transmission: 4% VLT
Best for: Extreme light sensitivity, photophobia and strong outdoor glare
Relevant conditions: Retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma and corneal conditions
Fit-over prescription glasses: Yes, with applicable frame options
Driving: No — too dark for driving