Effect of high-energy visible light–filtering spectacle lenses on high and low contrast distance visual acuity

Purpose

High-energy visible (HEV) light has been the subject of considerable debate recently despite its critical role in several physiological functions. High-energy visible light–filtering spectacle lenses, which attenuate transmission of HEV light, are being widely marketed as protective measures for ocular health and interventions to improve visual function and sleep quality. This study reports on the effect of HEV light–filtering spectacle lenses on high and low contrast (10 % and 2.5 %) distance VA.

Methods

High and low contrast binocular distance VA was measured in 30 young adults in photopic and mesopic illumination. The VA measurements were taken with four test lenses including three commercially available HEV light–filtering lenses and a control lens. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

There was no significant difference in mean photopic high contrast (F(2.5, 73.5) = 1.30, p = 0.28), low contrast 10 % (F(3, 87) = 0.24, p = 0.87) and 2.5 % (F(3, 87) = 0.72, p = 0.54) VA measurements with the four test lenses. Similarly, in mesopic illumination the mean VA measurements were similar among the four test lenses (high contrast (F(3, 87) = 1.06, p = 0.37), low contrast 10 % (F(3, 87) = 0.70, p = 0.55) and low contrast 2.5 % (F(3, 87 = 0.49, p = 0.69)).

Conclusion

The HEV light–filtering spectacle lenses produced no meaningful changes in VA compared with the control lens in varying illumination. Eye care personnel should consider this information when considering HEV light–filtering spectacle lenses in clinical practice.