A recent study has uncovered that merely incorporating a blue light filter into your eyeglasses might not provide relief for the eye strain resulting from prolonged screen use.
Contrary to earlier findings suggesting that blue light glasses could alleviate eye strain, enhance sleep quality, mitigate headaches, and promote overall eye well-being, the efficacy of blue light glasses in comparison to non-blue light glasses remains uncertain.
This new study, featured in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, presents a comprehensive analysis encompassing 17 studies across six countries, involving more than 156 adult participants. The researchers’ analysis unveiled that blue light glasses may not significantly impact sleep quality, eye strain, or ocular health.
Senior author Laura Downie, an associate professor specializing in optometry and vision sciences at the University of Melbourne, emphasized, “Our assessment does not advocate for the utilization of blue-light filtering lenses among healthy adults aiming to reduce eye strain related to computer usage.”
Numerous eyewear manufacturers assert that the blue light emanating from screens can contribute to eye strain.
Nonetheless, the American Academy of Ophthalmology contradicts this notion, asserting that blue light is not a causative factor for eye strain, nor does it inflict harm upon retinas or foster conditions such as macular degeneration.
Three separate trials conducted by the University of Melbourne researchers all concluded that participants reported negligible disparities in visual fatigue between those wearing blue-light filtering lenses and those donning lenses that do not possess blue light filtration capabilities.
Blue light, situated within the visible light spectrum, is suspected of harming the retina and exacerbating vision issues. Its abbreviated, high-energy wavelengths exhibit slightly lower potency than UV waves, which are known to have detrimental effects on the skin and eyes.
Contrary to prevailing beliefs, the primary source of blue light is the sun, rather than LED devices. Blue light glasses are designed to obstruct and sift out blue light, thus diminishing potential harm.
The study also unveiled that compared to lenses without blue light filtering, the impact on visual performance using blue-light filtering lenses is likely minimal to nonexistent.
As for potential effects on sleep quality, outcomes remain inconclusive, with trials incorporating diverse study populations reporting mixed results.
The study’s analysis did not uncover any evidence concerning contrast sensitivity, color discrimination, discomfort glare, macular health, serum melatonin levels, or overall patient visual satisfaction during the conducted trials.