Lenses marketed to filter blue light probably make no difference to digital eye strain or to sleep quality, according to a Cochrane review of 17 randomised controlled trials.
Nor did the review, led by Associate Professor Laura Downie from the University of Melbourne, find any evidence that blue-light filtering lenses protect the retina. “Our findings do not support the prescription of blue-light filtering lenses to the general population, and these results are relevant to a broad range of people, including eyecare professionals, patients, researchers and the broader community,” she said.
Research has shown these lenses are frequently prescribed to patients in many parts of the world, with marketing claims that they may reduce eye strain associated with digital device use, improve sleep quality and protect the retina from light-induced damage said A/Prof Downie. Of the 372 optometrists who responded to a 2018 Australian survey, 75% prescribed these lenses despite acknowledging limitations in the evidence to support their use.
