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Review
. 2023 Apr;12(2):755-788.
doi: 10.1007/s40123-023-00675-3. Epub 2023 Feb 18.

Blue Light Exposure: Ocular Hazards and Prevention-A Narrative Review

Audrey Cougnard-Gregoire  1   2 , Bénédicte M J Merle  3 , Tariq Aslam  4   5 , Johanna M Seddon  6 , Isabelle Aknin  7 , Caroline C W Klaver  8   9   10   11 , Gerhard Garhöfer  12 , Alfredo Garcia Layana  13   14   15   16 , Angelo Maria Minnella  17   18 , Rufino Silva  19   20   21   22 , Cécile Delcourt  3
Affiliations
Review

Blue Light Exposure: Ocular Hazards and Prevention-A Narrative Review

Audrey Cougnard-Gregoire et al. Ophthalmol Ther. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to blue light has seriously increased in our environment since the arrival of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and, in recent years, the proliferation of digital devices rich in blue light. This raises some questions about its potential deleterious effects on eye health. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on the ocular effects of blue light and to discuss the efficiency of methods of protection and prevention against potential blue light-induced ocular injury.

Methods: The search of relevant English articles was conducted in PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases until December 2022.

Results: Blue light exposure provokes photochemical reactions in most eye tissues, in particular the cornea, the lens, and the retina. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that certain exposures to blue light (depending on the wavelength or intensity) can cause temporary or permanent damage to some structures of the eye, especially the retina. However, currently, there is no evidence that screen use and LEDs in normal use are deleterious to the human retina. Regarding protection, there is currently no evidence of a beneficial effect of blue blocking lenses for the prevention of eye diseases, in particular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In humans, macular pigments (composed of lutein and zeaxanthin) represent a natural protection by filtering blue light, and can be increased through increased intake from foods or food supplements. These nutrients are associated with lower risk for AMD and cataract. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, or zinc might also contribute to the prevention of photochemical ocular damage by preventing oxidative stress.

Conclusion: Currently, there is no evidence that LEDs in normal use at domestic intensity levels or in screen devices are retinotoxic to the human eye. However, the potential toxicity of long-term cumulative exposure and the dose-response effect are currently unknown.

Keywords: Blue light; Digital devices; Light emitting diodes; Ocular hazard; Ocular health, myopia, retina, macular pigment; Prevention.

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Conflict of interest statement

Audrey Cougnard-Gregoire: Consultant for Laboratoires Théa. Bénédicte MJ Merle: Travel fees from Laboratoires Théa. Tariq Aslam: has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Johanna M Seddon: Gemini Therapeutics, Inc and Apellis Pharmaceuticals- stock options, Consultant for Laboratoires Théa. Isabelle Aknin: Consultant for Laboratoires Bayer, Roche, Horus, Baush Et Lomb, Laboratoires Théa. Caroline CW Klaver has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Gerhard Garhöfer has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Angelo Maria Minnella: Consultant for Laboratoires Théa, and received meeting participation and travel expenses from Bayer, Novartis and AbbVie. Alfredo Garcia Layana: Consultant for AbbVie, Apellis, Bayer, Novartis, Roche, Laboratoires Théa. Rufino Silva: Consultant for Alimera, Abbvie, Bayer, Novartis, Laboratoires Théa, Roche, NovoNordisk. Cécile Delcourt: Consultant for Allergan-Abbvie, Apellis, Chauvin-Bausch + Lomb, Laboratoires Théa and Novartis. Grant from Laboratoires Théa. All authors have nothing to declare specifically related to the topic of the manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Solar radiation and filtration by the structures of the eye (adapted from F. Behar Cohen [4]). Adapted from Behar-Cohen F, Martinsons C, Viénot F, Zissis G, Barlier-Salsi A, Cesarini JP, et al. Light-emitting diodes (LED) for domestic lighting: Any risks for the eye? Prog Retin Eye Res. 2011;30(4):239–57, Copyright (2023), with permission from Elsevier
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Photochemical damage of the retina
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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