Spurred by recent findings that Australians engage in an average of 5.5 hours of screen time per day, two leading academics from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Melbourne will address the hot topic of blue-light filtering lenses and whether they are useful for managing computer vision syndrome (CVS) at September’s O=Mega23 and fourth World Congress of Optometry (O=Mega23/WCO4) conference. 

Associate Professors Andrew Anderson and Laura Downie’s presentation ‘Computer vision syndrome: do blue-light filtering lenses (and other therapies) help?’ will expand on their 2021 research, published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, by further examining what is known about blue light-blocking ophthalmic devices and other approaches that have been studied for managing CVS. “While our research has shown that spectacle lenses with blue-light blockers represent about one-third of all prescribed glasses, scientific evidence does not support the notion that wearing blue-light blocking lenses is effective in preventing eye strain caused by digital devices,” said A/Prof Anderson. 

According to A/Prof Anderson, concerns surrounding excessive screen time and its impact on the eyes arise from the belief that high-energy blue-light wavelengths pose a more significant threat to vision than other parts of the spectrum. “The light emitted by computer screens falls well within safe levels and poses no significant risk to eye health. The most powerful source of blue light we are exposed to on a day-to-day basis is the sun, so it is important that often over-hyped information about the risks from computer screens does not distract patients from ensuring they take appropriate care in the sun. Optometrists serve a crucial role in appropriately educating patients in this regard and providing them with spectacles and sunglasses that meet relevant Australian standards.” 

A/Profs Anderson and Downie’s presentation at O=Mega23/WCO4 will take place from 9-10am on 9 September in The Eureka room at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. For more information, see www.omega-event.org/program 

To support parents attending the event, a creche service with qualified staff will run for the duration of the clinical programme with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for little ones included in the cost. For more information, see www.omega-event.org/creche-1