Acta Scientific Ophthalmology (ISSN: 2582-3191) Volume 4 Issue 5 May 2021 Comparison of Blue Block Lenses and Anti-Reflection Coated Lenses on Reading Speed and Visual Fatigue Vidhya L 1 *, Nilesh Thite 2 , Aditya Goyal 3 , Dhanaraju BM 4 , Deepthi AR 5 and Murtuza Abbas Kanchwala 6 1 Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, India 2 M. Optom, FIACLE, FAAO, International Association of Contact Lens Educator 3 Principal, Sankara College of Optometry, Bengaluru 4 M. Optom, Consultant Optometrist, Abhiman Opticians & Faculty at Abhaya College of Optometry, Bengaluru 5 M. Optom, Consultant Optometrist & faculty at B.W.Lions Eye Hospital, Bengaluru 6 M.Optom, Consultant Optometrist, MAK enterprises, Mumbai *Corresponding Author: Vidhya L, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, India. Research Article Received: March 22, 2021 Published: April 16, 2021 © All rights are reserved by Vidhya L., et al. Abstract Purpose: To compare the effect of blue block lenses and anti-reflection coated (ARC) on reading speed in visual display unit (VDU) and printed chart and on visual fatigue questionnaire. Methods: A double-masked, controlled crossover study was carried out on 146 healthy subjects (92 males and 54 females) aged 18 to 30 years who used digital devices for a minimum two hours daily. The duration of the study was August 2019 to February 2020. Baseline visual fatigue questionnaire response and reading speed with hard coated lenses on digital MNRead and printed MNRead was recorded. Subjects were then divided into two groups by randomization. A well-fitted spectacle with blue block lenses was given to the first group and ARC lenses to the second group. After a week, the response to the visual fatigue questionnaire and reading speed was noted. Hard coat lenses were given for a week to wean off the previous lenses' influence if any. Then the intervention was crossed over and the response of the visual fatigue questionnaire and reading speed data were collected again after a week. All the collected data were compiled and statistically analyzed using ANOVA-Fisher's test. Results: Blue block lenses had a significant increase in reading speed in terms of words per minute (WPM) compared to baseline and ARC lenses in both VDU and printed chart. Blue block lenses showed a WPM of 137 (± 23.3) in VDU and 145 (± 23.3) with the printed chart (p < 0.001). ARC lens showed WPM of 128 (± 17.7) in VDU and 135 (± 17.7) in the printed chart (p < 0.001). While the baseline recording with hard coat lenses was WPM of 123 (± 27.2) in VDU and 134 (± 20) with the printed chart. While a significant decrease in symptoms of digital eye strain was noted with the usage of blue block lenses, especially in terms of dryness, eye fatigue in the visual fatigue questionnaire (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Blue block lenses were more effective with respect to reading speed and reducing digital eye strain as compared to ARC lenses. In our study, the blue block lenses showed an improved reading speed of about 7% in comparison with ARC lenses on both VDU and printed chart. Keywords: Blue Block Lenses; ARC Lenses; Reading Speed on Visual Display Unit; Printed Material Introduction Visible blue light, ranging from 400 to 500 nm wavelength, stimulates photosensitive retinal ganglion cells and regulates the body's circadian rhythm. But with prolonged exposure and prox- imity of blue light from the digital devices, melatonin secretion, a hormone that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, is found to be suppressed thus affecting the sleep quality [1-3]. Few studies have Citation: Vidhya L., et al. “Comparison of Blue Block Lenses and Anti-Reflection Coated Lenses on Reading Speed and Visual Fatigue". Acta Scientific Ophthalmology 4.5 (2021): 68-72.