Migraine screen filter
for macOS

When you're light sensitive, dimming the screen isn't enough. Nox filters the specific wavelengths linked to migraine photophobia: FL-41 tint, a 480nm notch filter, narrow-band green, and 9 more presets. The relief of tinted lenses, built into your Mac.

Download Free Trial How it works

14 days free · No credit card · macOS 14+ · Already tried it? Buy license

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380nm 480nm 580nm 680nm 780nm

Features

Control the light itself,
not just the brightness

Spectral filtering

Attenuates specific wavelengths across the visible spectrum instead of shifting the whole screen warmer.

Melanopic tracking

A live percentage shows exactly how much melanopsin-activating light your current filter removes.

12 research-based presets

FL-41, 480nm notch, narrow-band green, e-paper simulation, and more. Each grounded in published research.

Custom presets

Adjust RGB channels, gamma, contrast, and color temperature. Save as many of your own presets as you like.

Nox filter controls on macOS showing the Migraine Precision preset and melanopic suppression readout

The Science

Targeting the
root of photophobia

Not all wavelengths affect your eyes the same way. Research points to specific parts of the spectrum and specific cells.

480nm
Melanopsin peak sensitivity, the wavelength most activating to ipRGCs
73%
Melanopic light suppressed by the Migraine Precision filter at 80% intensity
74%
Reduction in migraine attacks with FL-41 tinted lenses (Good et al.)
530nm
Narrow-band green, the only color shown to not exacerbate migraine
Melanopic Suppression: Migraine Precision preset 73%

Real-time percentage of melanopsin-activating light blocked by your current filter and intensity settings.

Your retina contains specialized light-sensing cells called ipRGCs that are most sensitive to blue-cyan light at 480nm. Research suggests these cells may play a role in light sensitivity for some people, amplifying discomfort when exposed to certain wavelengths.

Studies have found that narrow-band green light (~530nm) may be better tolerated than other wavelengths. Blue, amber, and red were associated with greater discomfort in some subjects. This is why a simple warm filter may not be enough: wavelength-level control gives you more options.

FL-41 tinted lenses, a rose-colored filter, were associated with a 74% reduction in migraine frequency in one clinical study. Nox applies similar filtering principles to your display, using spectral curve modeling to approximate per-channel attenuation.

Read the full research →

Compare

Beyond blue light filters

f.lux and Night Shift shift color temperature. Nox filters specific wavelengths. Read the full comparison: Nox vs f.lux · Nox vs Night Shift

Feature f.lux Night Shift Iris Nox
Migraine-specific presets — — — 12 presets
FL-41 tint emulation — — — ✓
480nm notch filter — — — ✓
Melanopsin suppression metric — — — Real-time %
Spectral curve modeling — — — 380–780nm
Narrow-band green mode — — — 520–540nm
Custom preset creation — — Limited Full RGB + gamma + temp
Sunset/sunrise scheduling ✓ ✓ ✓ —
Built into macOS — ✓ — —
Price Free Free $15 $5

Presets

12 presets for every
kind of screen sensitivity

From research-backed migraine filters to e-paper simulation and low-fatigue gaming modes. Pick one, tweak it, or build your own.

Migraine Precision
41-point spectral curve. 2% transmittance at 480nm, preserves 530nm green band.
FL-41
Rose-tinted filter. Associated with 74% fewer migraine attacks in one study (Good et al.).
Green Band
Narrow 520–540nm pass. The wavelength found to be best tolerated in light sensitivity studies (Noseda 2016).
Notch 480
Targets melanopsin peak directly. Based on Hoggan et al. thin-film notch filter design.
Low Blue
Gentle blue reduction for all-day screen use. Minimal color distortion.
Sunset
Aggressive warm filter with dimming. 3000K color temp for dark environments.
Warm Rose
A warmer take on FL-41 for those who prefer a softer, gentler tint.
Evening
3500K with reduced contrast and dimming. Designed for pre-sleep screen use.
Reading
Mild warmth with slight contrast boost. Optimized for long text sessions.
Gaming
Minimal color shift at 6000K. Reduces blue without impacting reaction-critical visuals.
Eye Comfort
Balanced blue reduction at 5500K. All-day comfort without noticeable color shift.
E-Paper
Full grayscale mode. Mimics e-ink displays for distraction-free reading.

Every preset is fully customizable. Adjust intensity, dimming, black point, contrast, gamma, color temperature, and per-channel levels. Or create your own from scratch.

Pricing

One price.
Every feature. Forever.

No subscription. Try everything free for 14 days, then pay once.

Lifetime License
$5
One-time purchase · All future updates
  • All 12 research-based presets
  • Unlimited custom presets
  • Melanopic suppression tracking
  • Break timer reminders
  • Multi-display support
  • Global keyboard shortcut
Download Free Trial

14 days free · Full features · No credit card

Buy License — $5

Nox applies filter profiles based on published research on light sensitivity. It is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Consult your physician regarding migraine management.

FAQ

Common questions

Does Nox work like FL-41 glasses?
Nox's FL-41 preset approximates the spectral transmittance profile of FL-41 tinted lenses by computing per-channel attenuation from the published transmittance curve. FL-41 lenses were associated with a 74% reduction in migraine frequency in one clinical study (Good et al.).
How is Nox different from f.lux or Night Shift?
f.lux and Night Shift shift color temperature, making the screen warmer. Nox filters specific wavelengths across the full visible spectrum using 41-point spectral curves, giving you precise control beyond simple color temperature. See the full comparison.
What is melanopic suppression?
Melanopic suppression measures how much melanopsin-activating light (peaked at 480nm) your filter removes. Melanopsin is the photopigment in ipRGC cells linked to light sensitivity. Nox shows this as a real-time percentage that updates as you adjust settings.
Will Nox cure my migraines?
No. Nox is not a medical device. It applies filter profiles based on published research on light sensitivity and photophobia. Many users report reduced screen-triggered discomfort, but you should consult your physician regarding migraine management.
Does it work on external monitors?
Yes. Nox applies gamma table adjustments at the display driver level, so it works on any display connected to your Mac: built-in, external, or both simultaneously.
Can I create my own filter presets?
Yes. You have full control over RGB channels, gamma curve, contrast, color temperature (2700–6500K), and per-channel intensity. Save unlimited custom presets alongside the 12 built-in research-based filters.

From the Blog

Guides and research

Research-backed articles on migraine photophobia, screen settings, and spectral filtering.

Best Screen Settings for Migraines

Adjust brightness, enable spectral filtering, and configure your Mac to reduce screen-related discomfort.

FL-41 Tint for Your Screen

FL-41 lenses reduced migraines by 74% in trials. Nox brings the same spectral profile to your Mac display.

Eye Strain from Screens: Causes and Solutions

Up to 90% of people who use computers for 3+ hours daily experience digital eye strain. Here is what actually helps.

Do Blue Light Glasses Actually Work?

The evidence for and against blue light glasses, and why precision spectral filtering works better for migraines.

View all articles →

Your screen doesn't
have to hurt

The filtering principles behind $400 therapeutic lenses, built into your Mac. Free for 14 days, $5 for life.

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