Effect of High-Energy Visible Light-Filtering Spectacle Lenses on Distance Contrast Sensitivity

High-energy visible (HEV) light-filtering spectacle lenses, which selectively decrease transmission of short wavelength visible light, have been increasing in popularity in recent years despite much debate about their potential ocular benefits. This study reports on the effect of HEV light-filtering spectacle lenses on distance contrast sensitivity (CS).

The study included 30 healthy young adults aged 18 to 35 years. Binocular CS was measured with the Pelli-Robson test in both photopic and mesopic illumination using three commercially available HEV light-filtering spectacle lenses and a clear uncoated control lens. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

There was no difference in CS measurements among the four test lenses in either photopic (x²(3, n = 30) = 5.28, p = 0.153) or mesopic (x²(3, n = 30) = 0.92, p = 0.821) illumination. The CS measurements were significantly higher in photopic illumination than mesopic illumination for all four test lenses (Z ≤ -3.54, p ≤ 0.010) with mean differences ranging from 0.08 to 0.10 logCS.

The HEV light-filtering spectacle lenses have no clinically meaningful effect on distance CS in young adults in both photopic and mesopic illumination. These results would be useful for eye care personnel when prescribing HEV light-filtering spectacle lenses.