The Effect of Blue-Light-Blocking Filters on Human Visual System Performance and Individual Characteristics: A Narrative Review

Mehrdad  Sadeghi; Saeed  Rahmani; Mohammad Ghasemi  Brumand; Parvin  Dibajnia

doi:10.18502/jmr.v20i2.21707

Mehrdad Sadeghi Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saeed Rahmani Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Ghasemi Brumand Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Parvin Dibajnia Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v20i2.21707

Keywords: Blue-Light-Blocking; Blue- Light filtering; Partially Blue- Light filtering; Circadian clock; Color perception

Abstract

Introduction: Blue-light-blocking filters are crucial for reducing the harmful effects of light emitted by digital screens.

Materials and Methods: This narrative review, based on a comprehensive search across databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, aimed to examine studies published between 2010 and 2024 and evaluate the effects of these filters on eye health, sleep quality, and related functions.

Results: The findings indicated that the use of these filters can help reduce visual discomfort and improve physiological parameters, such as circadian rhythm and sleep quality. Moreover, the relationship between blue-light-blocking filters and the reduction of sleep disorders, such as insomnia, anxiety, migraine, photophobia, mania, computer vision syndrome (CVS), and accommodative problems, has been investigated. Their effects on retinal structure and function, potential role in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration, and influence on contrast sensitivity, color perception, and motion detection have also been discussed. Some studies suggest that these filters may affect contrast sensitivity; however, further research is required to clarify these effects. These filters may be beneficial for individuals continuously exposed to digital devices. Although these lenses do not significantly impact overall color perception, they may make it difficult to distinguish colors, particularly in the blue spectrum.

Conclusion: This study’s narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of blue-light-blocking filters and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.