Blue-light filtering glasses : useful or placebo effect ? 🥸

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Short-term effectiveness called into question by some studies 🤔

The researchers compared the effects of blue-light filtering lenses with those of non-filtering lenses. The team drew on 17 anonymized trials conducted in six countries. The number of participants in each study ranged from 5 to 156. The period of lens use ranged from less than a day to five weeks. The results of this study analyzed possible improvements in visual performance, sleep quality and retinal protection. And the verdict is clear.

“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’s important to note that these glasses only filter between 10% and 25% of the blue light emitted by artificial sources. However, they represent only one thousandth of what we receive from natural daylight. Significantly reducing blue light would mean using much darker lenses. But this would have a noticeable impact on color perception. To see for yourself, you can activate the anti-blue light filter on your smartphone.

Long-term effects yet to be determined ⏳

Before you write off this type of eyewear, it’s important to remember that the study only looks at short-term effects. Indeed, the researchers point out that the available data do not allow for a precise assessment of the long-term effects of these glasses.

“High-quality, large clinical research studies with longer follow-up in more diverse populations are still required to ascertain more clearly the potential effects of blue-light filtering spectacle lenses on visual performance, sleep and eye health. They should examine whether efficacy and safety outcomes vary between different groups of people and using different types of lenses”, explains one of the study’s authors.

Although the researchers do not recommend prescribing these glasses, it is important to note that they also have no significant adverse effects associated with their use. The only effects observed were mild, infrequent and temporary discomfort. These can be attributed to wearing glasses in general.

Have you ever used anti-blue-light glasses? If so, have you noticed any improvements in your daily life? Share your experiences in the comments.

Source : Eurekalert