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Blue light glasses, designed to protect our eyes from computer use, have gained popularity in recent years. Yet, new research indicates their effectiveness might be overestimated.
Researchers analyzed the "most robust evidence" to date, including data from 17 randomized controlled trials. Their results were shared in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews journal this Friday. The verdict? Blue light glasses might not significantly affect eye fatigue or sleep.
Laura Downie, the study's senior author and associate professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia, stated, "Our research suggests that blue-light filtering glasses might not provide immediate benefits in reducing visual fatigue from computer usage."
She added, "Currently, we're uncertain if these glasses influence vision quality or sleep. We also can't deduce any long-term effects on retinal health. People should keep this in mind when considering a purchase."
The scope and length of the studies reviewed varied, with participant numbers ranging from five to 156 and durations spanning less than a day up to five weeks. The researchers believe more extensive and longer studies are essential for a clearer understanding.
Dr. Sumeer Singh, a postdoc at the Downie Laboratory, highlighted the need for future research to "investigate if results differ among various demographics and with different lens types."