In today’s digital age, children are exposed to screens more than ever before. From laptops and tablets to smartphones and gaming consoles, electronic devices have become an integral part of their daily lives. With this increased screen time comes concerns about the potential impact of blue light emitted by these devices on children’s eye health.
As a result, a rising trend in the market is using kids blue light glasses. Kids can wear blue light glasses. In this blog, we will explore what blue light is, its effects on young eyes, and whether kids can benefit from wearing blue light glasses.
What Are Kids Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses, also referred to as computer glasses or gaming glasses, are eyewear designed to filter or block a portion of blue light emitted by screens and artificial lighting. These glasses have specialized lenses that aim to reduce the amount of blue light reaching the eyes, helping to reduce sleep disruptions.
Can Kids Wear Blue Light Glasses?
Yes, children can wear blue light glasses. Blue light glasses can be a useful aid in their everyday activities, especially when exposure to blue light released by sunlight and artificial light sources has an effect on their natural sleep and wake cycle, aka their circadian rhythm.
Children’s eyes are less capable of filtering out high-energy visible light, making them more exposed to the impacts of UV rays and blue light caused by sunlight and artificial light sources. While there is no evidence that blue light glasses help with digital eye strain, by wearing kids blue light glasses, children can benefit from blocking out excessive exposure to blue light, which helps with regulating their circadian rhythm and improving their sleep quality.
Understanding Blue Light
Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light present in sunlight and emitted by digital screens, LED lights, and fluorescent bulbs. While exposure to natural blue light during the day is essential for regulating our sleep-wake cycle and overall well-being, excessive and prolonged exposure to artificial blue light, especially at night, may cause some concerns.
Potential Effects of Blue Light on Children’s Eyes
Sleep Disruption: Exposure to blue light, particularly during the evening, can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This evening exposure can disrupt children’s sleep patterns, making it challenging to fall asleep at bedtime.
Long-Term Eye Health: Many people ask whether excessive blue light exposure might be associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) later in life. However, more research is needed to establish a direct link between blue light and AMD in children.
Factors to Consider
Some important factors to consider when it comes to investing in kids blue light glasses are the following:
- Screen Time Habits: If your child spends a significant amount of time in front of screens each day, especially during the evening, blue light glasses might be worth considering to reduce sleep disturbances and improve the quality of sleep.
- Pre-Existing Eye Conditions: Children with existing vision problems, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, may find blue light glasses helpful, as they can provide additional comfort during screen use.
- Quality Matters: If you decide to invest in blue light glasses for your child, ensure you purchase a high-quality pair with lenses specifically designed to filter blue light effectively.
Promoting Healthy Screen Habits
While blue light glasses may have potential benefits, they are not a substitute for healthy screen habits. Encourage your child to follow these practices:
- Take Breaks: Remind your child to take frequent breaks from screens. The 20-20-20 rule can be beneficial—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Limit Evening Screen Time: Minimize screen use in the evening hours to support a healthy sleep routine.
- Ensure Proper Lighting: Ensure the room has adequate lighting to help reduce eye strain during screen use.
Your Family’s Eyesight Is Important
As a concerned parent, you might wonder if blue light glasses are suitable for your child. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of blue light on children’s eyes, blue light glasses can offer some benefits, especially for those who spend significant time on screens. However, it is crucial to promote healthy screen habits, limit excessive screen time, and consult an eye care professional for personalized advice on whether blue light glasses are appropriate for your child’s specific needs. Ultimately, striking a balance between screen use, outdoor activities, and good eye care practices can contribute to your child’s overall eye health and well-being. Book an appointment with Stoney Creek Optometry for advice on working out an ideal balance for your child’s needs.
