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Another post asked how to make one's own wind-blocking glasses, so I decided I'd post a little 'how to" on making non-prescription tinted or un-tinted glasses without special knowledge, equipment, or a heavy cost- no visits to home depot, plastic stores, nothin'. 
Note, I'm not a doctor or a magician or anything else- I cannot vouch that these glasses will be the right choice for YOU, just that they personally work for me. Don't sue.
What I used:
-My grey-green 1% NoIR sunglasses, with the #35 wrap around frame
(http://noir-medical.com/catalog.htm)
-Tranquileyes unlined foam
(dry eye shop)
What it cost:
My sunglasses were 58$- while I strongly, strongly recommend ordering the same frame, I don't suggest my particular lens unless you have very severe photophobia- it filters all but 1% of visible light. Not to mention, other lenses are cheaper. Most you will find that aren't especially dark will be around 30$- the 16% amber, a good pick, is 25$. Keep in mind, everything listed on the site doesn't calculate the 25% discount the rep is going to give you at purchase.
My foam was 7$- I've tried all sorts of foams and plastics and magics, but I find this one to be the best suggestion simply because it is pre-cut, stretchy enough to sit on most frames, and doesn't require getting down and dirty with the gluing- plus, it's comfy. That said, if you're adventurous and find that this isn't really the 'right' one for you, try googling around for 'marshall protocol' patients- those folks know their sunglasses, and often offer adventurous tips on preventing light leaks (if it doesn't leak light, it aint leaking air either)
basically, it can cost anywhere from 25-65$ for the glasses, and it's 7$ for the foam. Unless you have a low-vision shop in your area, you'll probably have to order both, so make sure to assume the cost of shipping in your numbers.
So, what do you do once you've got the extensive supply list?
How the heck do I put it together?
Simply take the pads out of their baggy, punch out the pad in the center, and press them on to freshly washed and dried NoIRs. Start from the nose outward with the pressing, making sure to STRETCH the foam so that you end up with enough at the outer corner of your eye- if you aren't careful to get the foam very far towards the arms, you wont produce a perfect seal- you'll probably want to pull it farther than I have pictured, as I stuck on new foam for demonstration. If you don't get it once, you'll be able to re-stick the same pads just fine. Once you get the fit you like, press down HARD for a minute, to make sure that the foam doesn't end up moving or falling. Don't use additional glue, though- like all foam, it needs replacement, and you don't want to be prying it off with prayer in a month- you're better off having it fall off a little earlier than having it resist coming off when it needs to- not to mention the risk of getting glue where you don't want it, ie where it can come into contact with your eyes. Not good! Also, I suggest against cutting the foam- it seems like alot, but when worn and stretched, it's quite comfy- not to mention, you'll be thankful for the perfect fit and seal, which is harder to get with glasses that don't have much in the way of foam. In my experience, it molds to more eyes. Downside is, of course, that it does result in a field of vision loss- it's up to you to decide if it's 'too much'.
That's all!
Finally, some pictures of the end result.
Well, I hope this helps someone. Even if this turns into a failed attempt for you, I think it's worth trying in terms of being able to adjust fit, tint colour, and light transmission of your lenses without big bucks.
Note, I'm not a doctor or a magician or anything else- I cannot vouch that these glasses will be the right choice for YOU, just that they personally work for me. Don't sue.
What I used:
-My grey-green 1% NoIR sunglasses, with the #35 wrap around frame
(http://noir-medical.com/catalog.htm)
-Tranquileyes unlined foam
(dry eye shop)
What it cost:
My sunglasses were 58$- while I strongly, strongly recommend ordering the same frame, I don't suggest my particular lens unless you have very severe photophobia- it filters all but 1% of visible light. Not to mention, other lenses are cheaper. Most you will find that aren't especially dark will be around 30$- the 16% amber, a good pick, is 25$. Keep in mind, everything listed on the site doesn't calculate the 25% discount the rep is going to give you at purchase.
My foam was 7$- I've tried all sorts of foams and plastics and magics, but I find this one to be the best suggestion simply because it is pre-cut, stretchy enough to sit on most frames, and doesn't require getting down and dirty with the gluing- plus, it's comfy. That said, if you're adventurous and find that this isn't really the 'right' one for you, try googling around for 'marshall protocol' patients- those folks know their sunglasses, and often offer adventurous tips on preventing light leaks (if it doesn't leak light, it aint leaking air either)
basically, it can cost anywhere from 25-65$ for the glasses, and it's 7$ for the foam. Unless you have a low-vision shop in your area, you'll probably have to order both, so make sure to assume the cost of shipping in your numbers.
So, what do you do once you've got the extensive supply list?
How the heck do I put it together?
Simply take the pads out of their baggy, punch out the pad in the center, and press them on to freshly washed and dried NoIRs. Start from the nose outward with the pressing, making sure to STRETCH the foam so that you end up with enough at the outer corner of your eye- if you aren't careful to get the foam very far towards the arms, you wont produce a perfect seal- you'll probably want to pull it farther than I have pictured, as I stuck on new foam for demonstration. If you don't get it once, you'll be able to re-stick the same pads just fine. Once you get the fit you like, press down HARD for a minute, to make sure that the foam doesn't end up moving or falling. Don't use additional glue, though- like all foam, it needs replacement, and you don't want to be prying it off with prayer in a month- you're better off having it fall off a little earlier than having it resist coming off when it needs to- not to mention the risk of getting glue where you don't want it, ie where it can come into contact with your eyes. Not good! Also, I suggest against cutting the foam- it seems like alot, but when worn and stretched, it's quite comfy- not to mention, you'll be thankful for the perfect fit and seal, which is harder to get with glasses that don't have much in the way of foam. In my experience, it molds to more eyes. Downside is, of course, that it does result in a field of vision loss- it's up to you to decide if it's 'too much'.
That's all!
Finally, some pictures of the end result.
Well, I hope this helps someone. Even if this turns into a failed attempt for you, I think it's worth trying in terms of being able to adjust fit, tint colour, and light transmission of your lenses without big bucks.
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