The effects of three blue light filter conditions for smartphones on visual fatigue and visual performance

Abstract Although blue light filters have been developed to decrease visual fatigue, the decreased screen brightness and contrast ratios inherent in current filtering techniques should be resolved. To address these issues, we developed a blue light filter, named the Eye Care blue light filter. This study investigated the effects of three blue light filtering techniques (the Eye Care blue light filter, an 80% blue light filter application [app], and a 60% blue light filter app) on visual fatigue and task performance. Thirty‐six healthy adults were recruited. Critical fusion frequency, task performance, and subjective visual fatigue scale were used to assess visual perception and task performance. All subjects played a smartphone game for 40 min in each experimental condition. Task performance was better with the Eye Care blue light filter than with the two filter apps. The value of the Eye Care blue light filter is that it immerses the user in a good task performance environment while reducing blue light exposure per unit of time more than is possible with filter apps.