No evidence that blue light-filtering glasses help eyes.

No evidence that blue light-filtering glasses help eyes.

Blue Light-Filtering Glasses: Are They Worth the Hype?

Do you often feel eye strain, discomfort, or have difficulty falling asleep after spending long hours on your device? If so, you’re not alone. Many heavy screen users have turned to blue light-filtering glasses, hopeful that they will provide relief and protect their eyes. But a new study suggests that these glasses might not be as effective as they are widely believed to be. In fact, they may be nothing more than a waste of money.

According to a research review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, blue light-filtering glasses do not seem to make a significant difference in reducing eye strain, promoting eye health, or improving sleep quality, at least in the short term. The study also revealed that there is still uncertainty regarding their ability to protect against retina damage as it wasn’t evaluated in the research.

The senior author of the study, Laura Downie, who heads the Downie Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, Australia, emphasizes, “We found there may be no short-term advantages with using blue light-filtering spectacle lenses to reduce visual fatigue associated with computer use, compared to non-blue light-filtering lenses. 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.”

So, should you throw away your blue light-filtering glasses? Well, not so fast. While the findings of this study raise doubts about the effectiveness of these glasses, there are a few factors to consider. The research review included 17 randomized controlled trials from six different countries, varying in size from just five participants to 156. Furthermore, the duration of the studies ranged from one day to five weeks. It’s important to take into account these aspects when interpreting the results.

Downie adds, “We performed the systematic review to Cochrane methodological standards to ensure the findings are robust. However, our certainty in the reported findings should be interpreted in the context of the quality of the available evidence. The short follow-up period also affected our ability to consider potential longer-term outcomes.”

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In order to draw more accurate conclusions and determine the true potential effects of blue light-filtering glasses on visual performance, sleep, and eye health, more high-quality, large clinical research studies with longer follow-up periods are needed. The studies should also focus on more diverse populations and different types of lenses to examine if efficacy and safety outcomes vary across groups.

It’s worth noting that the side effects associated with blue light-filtering glasses tend to be mild, infrequent, and temporary, including lower mood, headaches, and discomfort wearing the glasses. However, the effectiveness of these glasses remains unclear, despite being frequently prescribed to patients in many parts of the world.

Downie concludes, “Over the past few years, there has been substantial debate about whether blue light-filtering spectacle lenses have merit in ophthalmic practice. Research has shown that these lenses are frequently prescribed to patients in many parts of the world, and a range of marketing claims exist about their potential benefits, 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. Our findings do not support the prescription of blue light-filtering lenses to the general population.”

While the study raises doubts about the effectiveness of blue light-filtering glasses, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s eyes and experiences may vary. If you find that these glasses provide relief or improve your eye comfort, it’s perfectly fine to continue using them. However, it’s advisable to consult with an eye care professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

So the next time you consider purchasing those blue light-filtering glasses, keep in mind that they might not live up to all the hype. But don’t worry, there are other ways to protect your eyes and reduce eye strain. Taking regular breaks from screen time, practicing the 20-20-20 rule (looking away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensuring proper lighting in your work area can also make a significant difference in maintaining healthy eyes.

More Information

To learn more about blue light and its impact on sleep, you can visit the Sleep Foundation website.

Source: Cochrane, news release, Aug. 17, 2023

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