Effects of blue-violet light filtering and surface technologies on visual performance: a retrospective clinical comparison using daily silicone hydrogel contact lenses

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Blue-violet light-filtering daily contact lenses are becoming more popular as a way of addressing the visual challenges associated with prolonged exposure to digital screens and low-light environments. Optimising contrast sensitivity in such situations is important for visual comfort, functional performance and patient satisfaction, especially among individuals with high visual demands or frequent exposure to glare. BACKGROUND: Digital device use has increased exposure to short-wavelength light, contributing to visual fatigue and reduced contrast sensitivity. Blue-violet - filtering soft contact lenses have been developed to enhance visual performance; however, independent clinical data comparing such lenses to non-filtering designs manufactured from the same material remain limited. METHODS: This retrospective comparative study analysed 45 myopic adults fitted with two senofilcon-A daily disposable lenses: OASYS (non-filtering) and MAX (blue-violet filtering). Contrast sensitivity (photopic, mesopic, glare), corneal aberrations, and non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) were assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVA and regression analyses were used to evaluate lens-related differences and identify predictors of contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: MAX lenses demonstrated significantly higher contrast sensitivity at medium-to-high spatial frequencies under photopic and mesopic conditions, and at low-to-mid frequencies with glare. Tear-film stability was preserved with both lenses without clinically meaningful differences. Corneal aberration changes were small; higher coma and trefoil values correlated with reduced contrast sensitivity during MAX wear. No demographic or pupil-related factors influenced outcomes. CONCLUSION: Blue-violet - filtering MAX lenses provide measurable improvements in contrast sensitivity, particularly under low light and glare. While tear-film stability remained comparable between lenses, optical design features of the MAX lens contributed to enhanced visual performance. These findings support their use in patients with high digital-screen exposure or night-time visual demands.