Is the blue light filter for spectacle and intraocular lenses helpful in improving ocular health? A systematic review of the literature

Blue light can induce retinal damage. Nowadays, technological devices emit high levels of this light. Up to 90% of users experience symptoms including eyestrain, headaches, ocular discomfort, dry eye, and blurred vision. Some ophthalmic devices such as spectacle lenses and intraocular lenses (IOLs) absorb blue light. Benefits have been suggested as well as possible disadvantages. Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze if the use of blue light filters reduces ocular damage produced from blue light spectrum. Method: The databases used were PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Búsqueda de Información Global, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, SpringerLink, Medic Latina, OvidSP, Trip Database, Clinical Key, and UpToDate. A second query was performed to increase the number of studies that were analyzed with the OPMER scale. Results: Several studies show that blue light filter IOLs have benefits in ocular health with low adverse effects. For other ophthalmic devices such as spectacle lenses, evidence is lacking. Nevertheless, it seems to be beneficial. Conclusions: The studies suggest there are no significant harmful effects of blue-blocking IOLs on visual performance and could be an option to reduce the risk of development of age-related macular degeneration. With the use of spectacle lenses there was a reduction in eye fatigue, suggesting it may help to ameliorate visual impairment. It is known that the use of blue light filters in vitro minimizes the damage to retinal cells but data in humans are inconclusive, especially regarding spectacle lenses.