The physiology of scotopic vision, contrast vision, color vision, and circadian rhythmicity: can these parameters be influenced by blue-light-filter lenses?

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the potential effects of blue-light-filter lenses on sensory and physiologic factors.
METHODS: Scientific knowledge on circadian rhythm and scotopic vision will be summarized and potential effects of blue-light-filtering lenses on these parameters will be assessed on a theoretical basis. Clinically relevant studies will also be discussed.
RESULTS: As far as circadian rhythm is concerned, it should be noted that at 480 nm, i.e., at maximum visual excitation of the light intensity to be measured, blue-light-filtering lenses show roughly the same transmission characteristics as the human crystalline lens. Interference with the circadian rhythm due to blue-light-filtering lenses, therefore, is not to be expected. Regarding scotopic vision, no clinically significant impairment is to be expected from blue-light-filter lenses because maximum excitation in scotopic light reception occurs at 507 nm whereas the light transmission of blue-light-filter lenses is 85%--this is higher than that of a child's crystalline lens. Numerous clinical studies corroborate these findings and demonstrate that color vision and contrast vision are not compromised by blue-light-filter intraocular lenses.
CONCLUSION: Based on current findings, we do not anticipate blue-light-filter lenses to have a clinically significant effect on physiologic parameters such as scotopic vision, color, and contrast vision or the circadian rhythm.