DIGITAL EYE STRAIN IN THE REMOTE WORK ERA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF BLUE LIGHT FILTERING TECHNOLOGIES AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5993Keywords:
Digital Eye Strain, Blue Light Filtering, Remote Work, Computer Vision Syndrome, Visual Health, Technological InterventionsAbstract
The rapid expansion of remote work has significantly increased daily screen exposure, contributing to a growing prevalence of Digital Eye Strain (DES), a condition characterized by symptoms such as eye fatigue, dryness, blurred vision, and headaches. As concerns regarding the potential impact of prolonged digital device use continue to rise, various interventions have been proposed to mitigate DES. This narrative review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of blue light filtering technologies and other commonly recommended interventions for reducing symptoms of Digital Eye Strain among remote workers. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and ResearchGate synthesizing findings from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies published between 2012 and 2026. The findings indicate that while blue light filtering glasses and screen filters may improve subjective visual comfort for some users, current evidence does not consistently demonstrate a significant reduction in DES symptoms attributable solely to blue light reduction. In contrast, interventions such as regular screen breaks, adherence to the 20–20–20 rule, optimization of workstation ergonomics, adjustment of display settings, and management of environmental factors show stronger and more consistent benefits. The review concludes that Digital Eye Strain is a multifactorial condition requiring a comprehensive management approach. Although blue light filtering technologies may serve as supportive measures, behavioural and ergonomic interventions remain the most evidence-based strategies for reducing DES in the remote work era. Future research should evaluate long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of these solutions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Anna Kudłacik, Magdalena Franków, Kornel Adrian Jarosz, Aleksandra Karolina Schmidt, Aleksandra Regina Żmuda, Maria Całusińska-Skowron, Julia Łukasik, Klaudia Jeziorowska, Karolina Bałdys, Oktawian Kaczmarek
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