The Impact of Blue Light on Children’s Eye Health

Blue light is a type of shortwave radiation that’s visible to humans (unlike UV radiation, which is outside of the spectrum that we can see). The main artificial source comes from screens. Cell phones, computers, TVs, etc. are all culprits, but it‘s also emitted by the sun. 

The American Optometric Association states that, “Children may be at higher risk for blue light retinal damage than adults”, making it important for parents and caregivers to not only monitor their children’s screen time (and reduce if necessary) but also to take steps to reduce outdoor exposure.

Blue Light Eye Damage in Children Explained

The lens in the human eye isn’t fully formed until we hit our early 20s. What this means in real terms is that in children and young adults, the ability to absorb short-wavelength blue light is lower. This substantially increases the amount that reaches the retina.

The retina is the thin layer of light-absorbing cells that line the back of the eye. From here, these signals are passed to the brain via the optic nerve.

Scientists are still out on the level of damage this may cause to the young retina—we’ll have to wait a few more years before more definitive results are available. However, the current understanding is that excessive outdoor blue light exposure may increase the risk of developing AMD (age-related macular degeneration) in later years.

What is agreed on, however, is that both blue and UV light from the sun is a risk factor for cataracts, eyelid cancer, and other conditions.

OK… So that shows it’s important for children to wear peaked hats and high-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses when outside.  But, what about screen time and kid’s vision?

This is where it gets really interesting. Blue light from screens isn’t bright enough to cause damage to the retina in the way that blue light from the sun can. However, this doesn’t mean you should let your children stare at screens for hours on end because there are other eye and whole-health impacts.

Blue light from cell phones and other screens can:

• Affect the circadian rhythms: This is the sleep-wake cycle. It’s well known that blue light from screens can interrupt the depth and quality of those vital under-the-duvet hours. This is especially relevant for children (although also applies to adults too).
• Increase the likelihood of vision problems: Like dry eye, headaches, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
• Can cause eye strain: Because the small muscles responsible for focusing and eye movement become tired. Kids are very likely to sit or hold the screen very close, which further exacerbates this. Two hours of continual screen time is enough to cause digital eye strain, which is pretty shocking when you think about it. Children would easily surpass this level if they were allowed to.
• Potentially increase the risk of myopia (short-sightedness): The prevalence has doubled in the last 50 years, with many blaming the increase on screen use. 

So, while it’s not believed that screen time blue light causes eye damage to children, the knock-on effects are what’s so worrying. 

Sleep disruption reaches into every aspect of a child’s life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the dangers of not getting enough include:

• Reduced physical and mental development.
• Increased risk of anxiety and depression.
• Problems with their immune system.
• Increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis.
• Potentially a higher risk of cardiovascular problems later in life, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
• An increased risk of mental health problems and substance abuse.

Even though a lot of these are yet to be 100% proven and the subject of ongoing research, no parent or caregiver wants even the slightest risk of these for their child. Blue light protection for children in the form of light-blocking glasses is available, but the simplest way is to simply limit screen time.

While the jury is still out on the potential retinal damage, the other physical and mental health issues that blue light eye damage causes children are more than enough reasons to do this.

In conjunction with these steps, partnering with a great ophthalmologist for regular eye exams is also crucial. In South Florida, there’s no better ophthalmology clinic for children (and adults) than the West Boca Eye Center.

Find out why at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/

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