Blue Light Filtration in Intraocular Lenses: Effects on Visual Function and Systemic Health

Thomas Kohnen,1 Billy R Hammond2 1Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; 2Vision Sciences Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USACorrespondence: Thomas Kohnen, Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt, 60590, Germany, Tel +49-69 6301-6739/-3945, Email thomas.kohnen@kgu.deAbstract: Blue light–filtering (BLF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) are designed to mimic the healthy natural adult crystalline lens. Studies that evaluated the relative merit of ultraviolet-only IOL design (ie, blocking wavelengths < 400 nm) versus BLF IOL design (ie, filtering wavelengths ~400– 475 nm in addition to blocking wavelengths < 400 nm) on protection and function of the visual system suggest that neither design had a deleterious impact on visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. A BLF design may reduce some aspects of glare, such as veiling and photostress. BLF has been shown in many contexts to improve visual performance under conditions that are stressed by blue light, such as distance vision impaired by short-wave dominant haze. Furthermore, some data (mostly inferential) support the notion that BLF IOLs reduce actinic stress. Biomimetic BLF IOLs represent a conservative approach to IOL design that provides no harm for visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, or color vision while improving vision under certain circumstances (eg, glare).Keywords: age-related macular degeneration, blue light filtration, cataract surgery, intraocular lens, visual function