More than 70% of teens and children are reported to spend at least two hours on digital devices a day, while approximately a third of those report symptoms of digital eye strain and other symptoms, such as irritability and a reduced attention span. With our lives becoming more technology-driven, digital eye strain is becoming more common. March is National Save Your Vision Month and this year’s theme is to raise awareness about digital eye strain. Digital eye strain occurs after being exposed to blue light from technology for more than two hours causing physical discomfort.
Blue light is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. Blue light has a very short wavelength, and so produces a higher amount of energy. In the digital evolution of screen technology, devices use LED back-light to help enhance screen brightening and clarity. These LEDs emit very strong blue light waves. Computers, smartphones, tablets and flat screen televisions are just a few of the devices that can expose your child to blue light. Overexposure to the blue end of the light spectrum can cause serious long-term damage to your child’s eyes. Spending just two consecutive hours on a digital device can cause eyestrain and fatigue.
The only logical solution is to cut back on digital device use. However, in this day in age, it’s nearly impossible to boycott digital devices. As more and more people are becoming aware of the side effects from having a digital life, more parents are becoming concerned, and blue light glasses are becoming more popular. Digital eye strain might not affect every individual, but if your child is experiencing digital eye strain, then blue light glasses might pose relief. Symptoms affiliated with digital eye strain include blurred vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, neck and back pain.
Blue light blocking glasses also may be able to help your child sleep better at night. Exposure to blue light in the dark or before bed can cause sleep disruptions and disrupt melatonin production. The body’s biological clock works in rhythms that are set by the amount of light and dark they are exposed to. This is called the circadian rhythm. When artificial light is added to an individual’s day, the body’s natural rhythms become confused. Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin more than any other light. Research shows that those who wore glasses that blocked blue light wavelengths produced more melatonin than those who didn’t during the night hours.
Aside from blue light glasses, there are other options to protect your child’s eyes:
Regardless of how you handle your child’s digital life, technology is going to be a part of it. All things are fine in moderation, but knowing the effects of blue light are important as you move forward.
