Are blue light glasses effective in reducing digital eye strain?

Blue Light Glasses Are Not Effective in Reducing Digital Eye Strain

Blue light-blocking spectacles do not provide significant benefit in reducing digital eye strain symptoms compared to regular lenses, based on low-certainty evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials. 1

Evidence Assessment

Blue Light Glasses Effectiveness

• A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Ophthalmology found no difference in visual fatigue or average daily change in visual fatigue with blue light-blocking lenses compared to non-blue light-blocking lenses 1
• Multiple studies consistently showed no benefit on eye strain with blue light-blocking lenses compared to standard lenses 1
• A 2023 systematic review of digital eye strain in young screen users (under 40 years) found that blue-blocking filters do not appear to prevent digital eye strain, based on evidence from studies with moderate risk of bias 2
• A double-blind test published in 2020 found no significant difference in digital eye strain symptoms between blue-blocking filters and control lenses without filters 3

Current Scientific Understanding

• Despite marketing claims, there is currently no evidence that screen use and LEDs in normal use are deleterious to the human retina 4
• There is no evidence of a beneficial effect of blue-blocking lenses for the prevention of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration 4
• The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests there is no high-certainty evidence supporting any single intervention for computer vision syndrome 5

More Effective Approaches for Digital Eye Strain

Environmental and Ergonomic Adjustments

• Position monitor at eye level, about arm's length away 5
• Reduce glare and reflections from surrounding lighting 5
• Maintain adequate humidity (>40%) as low humidity is a risk factor for eye strain 5
• Optimize ergonomic parameters during screen use 2
• Limit screen use duration, as use for >4-5 hours/day is associated with higher digital eye strain symptoms 2

Digital Device Adjustments

• Increase text size and contrast on digital devices 5
• Consider using night mode on devices, though evidence for benefit is limited 5

Ocular Health Management

• Apply ocular lubricants (non-preserved hyaluronate or carmellose eye drops) when experiencing dryness 5
• Consider oral omega-3 supplements for 45 days to 3 months, which may reduce dry eye symptoms in computer users (low-certainty evidence) 1, 5
• Ensure proper correction of refractive errors, including astigmatism and presbyopia 6
• Maintain normal blinking patterns through blinking exercises/training 6

Common Pitfalls in Managing Digital Eye Strain

• Relying solely on blue light glasses: Many patients purchase these based on marketing claims rather than scientific evidence
• Ignoring underlying refractive errors: Uncorrected vision problems can significantly contribute to eye strain
• Neglecting ergonomic factors: Poor positioning and lighting often contribute more to symptoms than blue light exposure
• Overlooking dry eye: Reduced blink rate during screen use is a major contributor to symptoms
• Excessive screen time: Even with perfect ergonomics, prolonged uninterrupted screen use can cause symptoms

Despite marketing claims about blue light glasses, the evidence suggests that addressing ergonomic factors, proper vision correction, managing dry eye, and taking regular breaks from screens are more effective approaches for reducing digital eye strain.