Autoimmune retinopathy is a rare eye disorder that leads to progressive vision loss. If you currently have this disorder, bright lights are likely a problem for you. Below are three things you can do to help filter out the light shining through your windows so you can be more comfortable in your home.

Blackout Curtains or Liners

Blackout curtains are lined with layers of a tightly woven fabric, which blacks out most of the light in a room. If you do not want to purchase curtains, you can purchase blackout liners to hang behind your curtains with drapery hooks instead. If you choose a liner, make sure the curtain rod extends past the sides of the windows to make sure no light gets through them.

Cellular Window Shades

If you do not want to purchase new curtains, you can use window shades. Even though traditional shades will block light, cellular shades can take your room from light to total darkness. These shades have hexagonal cells made from multiple layers of fabric.

You can purchase cellular shades to cover windows of any shape and design, as well as skylights and glass doors. When choosing the shades, choose opaque, as this will block out more light when compared to semi-sheer styles. You have the option of cordless control if you do not want to see cords hanging down, as well as bottom-up styles where the shades can be raised from the bottom, or top-down where they can be lowered from the top.

Window Film

Window films will not block the sunlight completely, but they will filter intense sunlight. These films are made from a polyester material.  When purchasing window films, you can choose from different degrees of thickness, depending on how much light you want to block out. The inner film has a pressure sensitive coating, and the outer has a scratch-resistant hard finish. In most cases, a chemical UV blocker is added to the film for protection from the sun's UV rays.

You can choose from different tints to provide you with the right level of light. You can hire someone to install the window films for you, or you can purchase the window film at home supply stores and apply them to the windows yourself.

If you are planning to install new windows in your home, talk with your glass contractor about applying tints to the windows before they install them. Companies like Howald Windows & Doors can help you explore your other options for darkening your windows.