{"id":16129,"date":"2021-07-25T08:00:08","date_gmt":"2021-07-25T08:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=16129"},"modified":"2021-07-25T08:00:08","modified_gmt":"2021-07-25T08:00:08","slug":"does-blue-light-affect-children","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/childrens-vision\/guide-to-childrens-eye-exams\/8-tips-to-protect-your-childs-vision\/does-blue-light-affect-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Blue Light affect Children?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does your child stare at a computer screen for hours at a time? It could be affecting their eyes.<\/b><\/h2>\n

There’s some controversy about the topic of blue light<\/a>, especially when it comes to children\u2019s screen time and eye health.<\/p>\n

Some argue that it is harmful to a child’s developing eyes, causing retinal damage and other eye conditions. Others say there is no need to be concerned about blue light.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at what science has to say about blue light and whether you should get your child or teen a set of blue light glasses.<\/p>\n

What is blue light?<\/b><\/h2>\n

On the visible electromagnetic energy spectrum, blue light is a high-energy light<\/a>. Some forms of bright blue light have a frequency that is similar to UV light, which can pass through the eye and reach the retina.<\/p>\n

The sun is the most common source of blue light, but it can also be found in artificial indoor lighting, smartphones, and other digital devices.<\/p>\n

Is blue light harmful?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The evidence on the safety of blue light on retinal health is ambiguous. The majority of studies proving blue light’s negative effects were conducted on rats rather than humans, and used extremely high levels of blue light.<\/p>\n

Scientists are attempting to discover whether digital screens and indoor lighting, which generate significantly less blue light, might damage the eyes in the long-term.<\/p>\n

Integrative Biology <\/i>published a study where petri dishes were utilized to house retinal cells that were exposed to high-intensity blue light. The retinal cells in this experiment exhibited dramatic alterations and even cellular death as a result of the strong exposure.<\/p>\n

Blue light<\/a> has two unmistakable effects: it reduces the quality of our sleep and causes eye strain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Certain cells in the retina are activated by blue light and communicate with the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin, a sleep hormone produced by the pineal gland, is an important component of the circadian rhythm. When blue light suppresses melatonin production, it can lead to poor sleep quality or insomnia.<\/p>\n

It’s best to avoid using digital devices at least 2 hours before bedtime, since blue light causes the body to become more alert.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: Blue Light and Screens<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re concerned about blue light affecting your child,<\/strong> contact an eye doctor near you<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t

\n\t\t

Find an eye doctor near you<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t
\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t