18 August 2023
A new Cochrane Systematic Review has found that blue-light filtering spectacles probably make no difference to eye strain, visual performance or sleep quality.
The review involved analysis of 17 randomised controlled trials from six countries.
It was led by researchers at the University of Melbourne in collaboration with colleagues at City, University of London and Monash University.
Senior author of the Cochrane review, associate professor, Laura Downie, of the University of Melbourne, shared that the review found that there were no short-term advantages of using blue-light filtering spectacle lenses to reduce visual fatigue associated with computer use.
“It is also currently unclear whether these lenses affect vision quality or sleep-related outcomes, and no conclusions could be drawn about any potential effects on retinal health in the longer term. People should be aware of these findings when deciding whether to purchase these spectacles,” she said.
Downie added that a range of marketing claims exist about the potential benefits of blue-light filtering spectacle lenses – including that they may reduce eye strain associated with digital device use, improve sleep quality and protect the retina from light-induced damage.
“The outcomes of our review, based on the current, best available evidence, show that the evidence is inconclusive and uncertain for these claims,” she said.
Dr Sumeer Singh, also of the University of Melbourne, highlighted that the amount of blue light the eyes are exposed to from artificial sources, such as computer screens, is about a thousandth of what is received through natural daylight.
“It’s also worth bearing in mind that blue-light filtering lenses typically filter out about 10-25% of blue light, depending on the specific product. Filtering out higher levels of blue light would require the lenses to have an obvious amber tint, which would have a substantial effect on colour perception,” he said.
Co-author of the review, Professor John Lawrenson, shared that the review updates the 2017 systematic review on the topic.
“The study reinforces the current position statements of professional organisations in optometry regarding the lack of scientific evidence to support the use of blue blocking spectacle lenses to alleviate digital eyestrain,” he said.
An Australian survey in 2018 found that 75% of the 372 optometrists who responded prescribed blue-light filtering spectacle lenses.
Comments (6)
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Palfi06 September 2023
There are many blue light blocking glasses for sale on Amazon = overall they have 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. Studying the comments says they do work and work well to reduce eyestrain with computers. There must have been nearly 15,000 positive comments.
Study done!!
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Anonymous29 August 2023
We see people who are surgeons and surgical nurses and they find the blue light filter helpful in maintaining comfortable vision for longer.
Interestingly the American Optometric Association recommends blue filters.
In office environment some staff are looking at 3 screens all day long.
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Anonymous26 August 2023
Presumably these lenses filter 10-25% of blue light from all sources, sunlight included, so if worn outdoors would go some way to reducing the amount of blue light from the sun that reaches the retina too
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Anonymous25 August 2023
Thanks Frank. Does that mean we can all ignore research findings now and just make our own minds up? If we’re not a research based profession, what are we?
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Anonymous25 August 2023
Who funded the study and why?
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Frank Eperjesi24 August 2023
As with so many reviews just because researchers haven't found a link between blue light from devices and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) doesn't mean there isn't one. That's a study that is impossible to conduct. There is plenty of evidence that blue light from the sun is a factor in AMD. And even if the blue light from devices is 1/1000 of that from the sun think about how many hours per day are spent looking at devices. There is a cumulative effect. Filtering 10-25% is better than no filtering.
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