Blue light filtering spectacles: The blues

Abstract

Background: With the increment of digital screen exposure for professional as well as recreational purposes, the usage of blue light filtering glasses is on a rise. Present study was conducted to assess the benefits of these lenses alone for computer vision syndrome (CVS). Materials and Methods: It was a prospective questionnaire based survey carried out at eye OPD for a period of 2 years from August 2021 – July 2023. All subjects of age 20-40years, who spend at least 6-8 hours on screen and presenting with CVS, taken for the study. They were given the choice of blue light filtering (BLF) spectacles only treatment or eye drops (1% sodium hyaluronate) only. Those who opted for spectacles only were recruited for the study & asked to follow up at 15 days. They were asked to fill a self-designed questionnaire. Result: Out of total 1248 patients of CVS cases presenting to our OPD during the study period, 853 cases opted for BLF spectacles only arm for their symptoms. 24 patients were lost to follow up. Remaining 829 patients filled the questionnaire completely. Nearly 90.34% cases (1168 subjects) were compliant i.e. they used the lenses while at work on screen. Only 29.80% (247 subjects) experienced relief of their CVS symptoms. Remaining 70.20% cases (582 subjects) were not happy with BLF spectacles. Conclusion: We found no short-term utility using blue-light filtering lenses alone to reduce visual fatigue associated with CVS. The importance of risk and benefit assessment of use of these lenses is to be considered.