Are Blue Light Glasses An Optical (Health) Illusion?
By: Trevor Stone Priesnitz
Like many Americans cooped up in their homes during the quarantine of the coronavirus pandemic, I bought several pairs of blue light blocking glasses. Touted as a means of protecting our eyes from harmful blue light, these glasses are sold in many major retailers today. Ranging from simple glasses that appear like magnifying readers to orange-colored lenses marketed for gaming or computer use, these products are everywhere. There are even clinics that offer the option to make surgically implanted lenses with blue light blocking filters (Downie et al., 2018). With celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rashida Jones, and other notables selling and sporting them, people are buying these products in increasing numbers. But what is driving the high sales of these glasses? Is blue light really this harmful? And do these glasses even do enough —or anything— to prevent the dangers of blue light?
In short, most studies are showing that blue light blocking lenses are not worth the money or the effort. Scientists, MDs, and ODs have published plenty of research claiming these glasses do little of what many sellers and consumers say they can. In one such study the researchers claim that “we find a lack of high-quality evidence to support using BB spectacle lenses for the general population to improve visual performance or sleep quality, alleviate eye fatigue or conserve macular health” (Lawrenson et al., 2017). Another study claims “there is little evidence at this time to support the use of blue-blocking filters as a clinical treatment for DES [dry eye syndrome]. Management of other ocular factors, as well as the creation of an optimal environment for screen viewing, are more likely to provide greater success in minimizing symptoms” (Rosenfield et al., 2020).
Other studies echo the sentiment that while blue light can cause detrimental eye symptoms, digital screens contribute little to this deterioration. Additionally, blue light blocking lenses appear to do little to prevent what small damage screens’ blue light can cause. The sun and various types of man-made light contribute far more to this damage, but we don’t necessarily have to worry about that. While blue light can cause eye damage, it is also an essential part of our daytime lives, helping to keep our brains attentive and awake (Safronova, 2021). Gretchen Kelly, OD, argues that it is more important to focus on other causes of eye strain and dryness from device use. She claims that it is much more effective to set limits on screen time and take regular breaks. The “20-20-20” rule came up multiple times in my research. Essentially, the rule is that when you are focused on a task like using a digital screen, you should take a break every 20 minutes to stare at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Using this rule has helped my eye strain much more than the blue light lenses ever had. Additionally, I have found that avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime has improved my ability to fall asleep, as blue light can reduce melatonin levels. But wearing these lenses before bed has not noticeably affected my sleep.
So what’s the big deal with these things? I bought at least four or five pairs of these glasses, and I believed that they were doing something in part because the marketing sounded legitimate. Was this all just a ploy to sell more glasses frames in the age of LASIK eye surgery and contact lenses? Maybe, but it is also likely a fashion trend more than anything. I will admit, I sometimes enjoyed matching my frames to various outfits, and liked the “academic look” that such frames can provide someone with. However, I think I will be ditching these glasses due to their snake-oil-feel I have realized. It makes the idea of wearing them feel a bit silly if they are purely for show. If they make you feel better or happy in some way, then there is no harm in wearing them. But I believe that this is yet another lesson in doing some research before making a purchase, whether it is with your money or your belief.
Sources Cited:
Downie, Laura E et al. “Blue-light filtering intraocular lenses (IOLs) for protecting macular health.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 5,5 CD011977. 22 May. 2018, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011977.pub2
Kelly, Gretchen. “Are Blue Light Glasses Effective?” Mayo Clinic Health System, 5 July 2022, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/are-blue-light-blocking-glasses-a-must-have.
Lawrenson, John G et al. “The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance, macular health and the sleep-wake cycle: a systematic review of the literature.” Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists) vol. 37,6 (2017): 644-654. doi:10.1111/opo.12406
Rosenfield, Mark et al. “A double-blind test of blue-blocking filters on symptoms of digital eye strain.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 65,2 (2020): 343-348. doi:10.3233/WOR-203086
Safronova, Valeriya. “When Did Everyone Get Blue-Light Glasses?” The New York Times, 18 Feb. 2021, www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/style/blue-light-glasses.html. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Singh, Sumeer, et al. “Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses for Visual Performance, Sleep, and Macular Health in Adults.” The Cochrane Library, vol. 2023, no. 8, 18 Aug. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd013244.pub2.