These days, children are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. From educational activities to entertainment, screens have become a staple in their daily routines. While these devices offer numerous benefits, they also emit blue light, adversely affecting young eyes.
It's important to know how blue light affects children's eyes and take steps to reduce its impact.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is a high-energy visible (HEV) light with short wavelengths. It is present in natural sunlight, but digital screens such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions also emit it.
While blue light exposure during the day helps regulate sleep, too much exposure from screens, especially at night, can be harmful.
Sources of blue light include:
- Digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions)
- LED and fluorescent lighting
- Sunlight
Effects of Screen Time on Children's Eyes
Eye Strain
Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. Children may not always recognize or communicate their discomfort from screen use, so parents must monitor their screen time.
Sleep Disruption
Excessive blue light exposure, especially in the evening, can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep. This disruption can lead to difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and subsequent impacts on mood and cognitive function.
Potential Long-Term Effects
While research is ongoing, there are concerns that long-term exposure to blue light may contribute to retinal damage and increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) later in life. Protecting children's eyes from excessive blue light exposure now can help reduce these potential risks.
Tips for Parents to Protect Children's Eyes
Limit Screen Time
Encourage balanced screen time by limiting the duration and frequency of device use. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of screen time a day for children aged two to five. They also advise consistent limits for older children.
Encourage Regular Breaks
Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, have your child take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and allows the eyes to rest.
Adjust Screen Settings
Reduce the brightness of screens and use blue light filters or "night mode" settings on devices to decrease blue light emission. These settings can help reduce the strain on your child's eyes, especially during evening use.
Promote Healthy Viewing Habits
Keep screens at an appropriate distance from the eyes — about arm's length for computers and at least 18 inches for handheld devices. Encourage your child to maintain good posture while using screens and ensure proper lighting in the room to reduce glare.
Encourage Outdoor Play
Spending time outdoors provides a break from screens and natural light exposure, which benefits overall eye health. Encourage activities that involve physical exercise and interaction with nature.
Regular Eye Exams
Request regular eye exams to monitor your child's vision and health. An eye care professional can detect early signs of digital eye strain or other vision issues. They can also provide personalized advice for protecting your child's eyes.
Monitor Your Child’s Vision With An Eye Exam
As screens become a big part of children's lives, it's important to understand how blue light affects their eyes and take steps to protect their vision. Parents can safeguard their children's eye health by promoting healthy screen habits and requesting regular eye exams.
At Newberry Vision Center, we dedicate ourselves to providing comprehensive eye care for children. If you have concerns about your child's vision or screen time habits, contact us today to request an appointment.