Minneapolis – September 15, 2026 -- A new study suggests one simple screen protector swap could ease digital eye strain for iPhone users, just as Apple's latest lineup hits shelves. Eyesafe, a screen-health technology company, published a white paper detailing survey results from 29 adult iPhone users conducted with Southwest Eye Care, an eye clinic.
Participants chose Eyesafe's filter nearly six times more often than a standard protector
In the two-period study, each participant used their phone at least two hours daily. They wore a standard clear screen protector for two weeks, then switched to one with Eyesafe CPF70 Technology for two weeks, completing identical surveys after each phase. Overall, 62% preferred the CPF70 protector, compared with 10% who preferred the standard one; 28% reported no preference.
Reported eye strain dropped 31% with the CPF70 filter
The study found reported eye strain declined 31% (p = 0.001), with the share of participants experiencing frequent eye strain falling from 45% to 10%. Overall symptom frequency across eight categories dropped 17% (p = 0.002).
Sleep quality ratings rose from 48% to 72%
Self-reported sleep quality improved 10% (p = 0.013). The proportion of participants rating their sleep as "good" or "very good" climbed from 48% during the standard-protector phase to 72% during the CPF70 phase. Notably, participants disabled True Tone and Night Shift throughout the study, meaning any reported improvements came from the physical filter alone rather than software-based color adjustments.
Eyesafe CEO says the filter delivers comfort without altering iPhone colors
"Every new iPhone means more hours of screen time. This study shows people can feel the difference when protection is built into the screen itself," said Justin Barrett, Founder and CEO of Eyesafe.
The technology is already sold through accessory maker ZAGG
Eyesafe CPF70 Technology is available in screen protection products, including those made by ZAGG. The company notes the study was self-reported, unblinded, and followed a fixed sequence, meaning the findings reflect perception and preference outcomes rather than results from a controlled clinical trial.