Impact of blue light filtering glasses on computer vision syndrome in radiology residents: A pilot study

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Alexander Dabrowiecki, Emory University School of Medicine; Alexander Villalobos, Emory University School of Medicine; Elizabeth Krupinski, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-03-01
• Publisher: SPIE
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2019 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/1.JMI.7.2.022402
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Medical Imaging
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 022402
• End Page: 022402
• Keywords: radiology; perception; image interpretation; education; blue light filtration
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Radiology

Abstract

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is an umbrella term for a pattern of symptoms associated with prolonged digital screen exposure, such as eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Commercially available blue light filtering lenses (BLFL) are advertised as improving CVS. Our pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of BLFL on reducing CVS symptoms and fatigue in a cohort of radiologists. A prospective crossover study was conducted with ten radiology residents randomized into two cohorts: one wearing BLFL first then a sham pair (non-BLFL), and the other wearing a sham pair first then BLFL, over two weeks during normal clinical work. Participants filled out a questionnaire using the validated computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) and the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI). The majority of symptoms [11/16 (68.8%) and 13/16 (81.3%) symptoms on the CVS-Q and SOFI, respectively] were reduced (i.e., symptoms less severe) with the BLFL compared to the sham glasses. Females rated symptoms of sleepiness and physical discomfort in the SOFI, and overall CVS-Q, as more severe. Postgraduate year (PGY)-2 residents rated all symptoms as more severe than PGY-3/4s. BLFL may ameliorate CVS symptoms. Future studies with larger sample sizes and participants of different ages are required to verify the potential of BLFL.