1 . Blue-light-filtering glasses (滤蓝光眼镜) have become an increasingly popular solution for protecting our eyes from electronic screens’ near-inescapable glow — light that is commonly associated with eyestrain (眼疲劳). In recent years they’ve even become fashion statements that are recognized by celebrities and ranked in style guides. But a recent review paper shows such glasses might not be as effective as people think.
The paper, published last week in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, analyzed data from previous trials that studied how blue-light-filtering glasses affect vision tiredness and eye health. The study’s authors found that wearing blue-light-filtering glasses does not reduce the eyestrain people feel after using computers.
“It’s an excellent review,” says Mark Rosenfield, a professor at the State University of New York College of Optometry, who was not involved in the study. “The conclusions are no surprise at all. There have been a number of studies that have found exactly the same thing, that there’s just no evidence that blue-blocking glasses have any effect on eyestrain.” He adds that the new review reinforces the fact that there is virtually no evidence that blue-blocking glasses affect eyestrain despite them being specifically marketed for that purpose. As for using blue-light-filtering eyeglasses for eye health, for now, Rosenfield says, “there’s nothing to support people buying them”.
The strain we may feel while staring at our phone or computer screen too long is likely to be caused by multiple factors, such as bad habits or underlying conditions, an associate professor of vision science at the University of Melbourne, Downie says. She argues that how we interact with digital devices contributes more to eyestrain than screens’ blue light does. Changing the frequency and duration of screen usage and distancing one’s eyes from the screens might be more important in reducing discomfort, Downie says. She adds that people who experience eyestrain should see a doctor to assess whether they have an underlying health issue such as far-sightedness or dry eye disease.
1. What can we know about blue-light-filtering glasses from the text?
| A．They can improve eyesight. | B．They may not reduce eyestrain. |
| C．They can promote eye health. | D．They can help to cure eye diseases. |
2. What can we infer from paragraph 2?
| A．A great many professors were involved in the study. |
| B．Blue-blocking glasses on the market are harmful to eyes. |
| C．The finding of the study comes as a surprise to the public. |
| D．Data from previous trials help the study a lot. |
3. What does the underlined word “reinforces” mean in paragraph 3?
| A．Denies. | B．Opposes. | C．Strengthens. | D．Evaluates. |
4. What should we do if we suffer from eyestrain according to Downie?
| A．Wear blue-light-filtering glasses. | B．Have an examination in the hospital. |
| C．Stop staring at the screen for ever. | D．Focus on the frequency of phone usage. |
