Keeping kids’ eyes safe from blue light

As parents, we understand the importance of protecting our children’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, but what about the harmful effects of blue light? Blue light, a colour in the visible light spectrum, is everywhere. Believe it or not, sunlight is actually the main source of blue light, and being outdoors during daylight is where most of us get most of our exposure to it.

However, there are also many man-made, indoor sources of blue light, including fluorescent and LED lighting, and flat-screen televisions. Most notably, due to the increase in the daily use of technology in our everyday lives, we are exposed to the display screens of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices for several hours at a time. These screens emit significant amounts of blue light. Studies suggest that over time, exposure to excessive blue light exacerbated by technology could cause serious, long-term damage to eyes and general health.

THE IMPACT OF BLUE LIGHT ON CHILDREN

Digital eye strain has overtaken carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive wrist strain from typing and mouse use) as the number one computer-related issue, and children are particularly vulnerable.

Today’s children use digital tools more than ever before, including tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and video games. Studies estimate that children and teenagers (ages eight-18 years) spend more than seven hours a day consuming electronic media.

Dr Aron Wohl, CEO and lead optometrist at Eye Q Optical, emphasises, “With the increasing use of digital devices in education, it’s crucial to take steps to reduce blue light exposure. These interventions, though simple, are effective in maintaining your child’s health and well-being.”

TIPS TO PROTECT CHILDREN’S EYES

To safeguard your child’s eyes from blue light and fatigue, consider these practical tips:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Encourage children to take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds–essentially, take frequent short breaks looking away from your screen.

2. Use artificial tears or eye drops and blink often: Refresh their eyes when they feel dry from prolonged screen time and remind them to blink more frequently, as staring at screens can reduce blinking.

3. Adjust screen brightness: Keep screens at the minimum brightness necessary to see comfortably.

4. Consider photochromic lenses: These lenses offer seamless protection from both UV and blue light, both indoors and outdoors, darkening automatically in response to UV rays.

5. Install blue light filters on devices: Use screen protectors like Eyesafe and iLLumiShield to reduce blue light exposure from digital devices.

6. Add anti-glare coatings: Anti-glare coatings on glasses can reduce glare, improve vision and provide protection from blue light.

7. Wear blue light filter eyewear: Invest in blue light filtering glasses, which can be non-prescription if they don’t need vision correction, or can be compatible with their contact lenses, but ensure that the lenses are optical quality.

Dr Wohl reiterates the importance of taking precaution when it comes to protecting children’s eyes, “As the adage goes, ‘prevention is better than cure,’ and incorporating simple habits and protective measures, such as using blue light filters either on the devices or prescribed eyeglasses from your trusted eyewear provider, can significantly reduce the risks associated with prolonged blue light exposure.

Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting potential eye problems early on and determining the appropriate level of ultraviolet and blue light protection needed. Given the increasing reliance on digital devices among today’s youth, addressing blue light and sun exposure is paramount to safeguarding their ocular health and overall well-being.”

Protecting your child’s eyes from blue light is essential for their overall eye health and well-being. By implementing these measures, you can help protect your children’s eyes from the potentially harmful effects of blue light, ensuring they maintain healthy vision as they head back into school.