Understanding the science of Blue Light-Blocking Lenses

Eye care
Written By Lucinda Howard
Blue Light Blocking Lenses

Blue Light & Eye Health

I  want to focus on Blue Light-Blocking Lenses filters this month. It has become apparent that social media is awash with adverts for blue light filter spectacles with varying claims of screen protection and success. It is no surprise that savvy companies have seen a gap in the market for eyewear that claims to aid visual comfort when looking at any screen for hours on end.

But what is blue light, and where does it come from?

Here are the facts (information from Hoya).

  • Blue light comes from many sources – sun, lightbulbs, LED screens.

  • Blue light filters have been around for over 5 years but only now seem to have gained momentum, most likely due to advertising, mainly on social media.

  • Blue light exposure at night has been shown to affect sleep quality (there is also research into circadian rhythm effects and sleep cycle influences).

  • Ongoing research into blue light, including the loss of antioxidant and anticancer functions.

Read more here: https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/seeing-blue-the-impact-of-excessive-blue-light-exposure#footnotes

Essentially, we know there is a lot more blue light exposure to all screen users now than there was even 5 years ago and the research into the consequences of this are ongoing as the cumulative increase in blue light exposure to users will only become apparent over time.

Anecdotally those patients with high screen use, visual strain, ocular fatigue or even headaches triggered by screen use have frequently reported that the use of a blue light filter has improved their symptoms and visual comfort. Ultimately the science will guide us in what we recommend but the evidence is becoming more robust. Spectacle lens companies are responding with more and more innovative products to protect the visual system from blue light.

Lucinda

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