Blue-light blocking lenses do not reduce dry eye symptoms during screen use

Blue-light blocking lenses do not reduce dry eye signs or symptoms during prolonged digital device use, according to a study.

The randomized crossover study involved 26 healthy young adults who completed three 2-hour reading sessions on a tablet while wearing different types of lenses: blue-blocking, anti-reflective-coated, and uncoated CR39 lenses.

Researchers measured dry eye signs and symptoms before and after each session. Results showed no significant differences in questionnaire scores or clinical dry eye indicators, including tear film stability and tear volume, across the lens types.

The findings suggest that blue-light filtering lenses may not provide relief for dry eye symptoms during digital tasks, despite their growing popularity.

Reference
Watcharapalakorn A, Poyomtip T, Srisurattanamethakul N, et al. Effect of blue-filtering lens spectacles on signs and symptoms of dry eye during exposure to a digital screen. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2025;doi: 10.1111/opo.13543. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40521793.