Do Kids Need Blue Light Glasses?
Increased screen time is going to happen. Learn more about how blue light glasses can help!
Summer is quickly coming to an end and that means the school year is upon us. And, as we know, many of the kids will be learning remotely. Which also means that extra screen time is inevitable. Now, there is a lot of buzz surrounding the benefits of blue light glasses for adults that stare at screens all day, but are they a good idea for your kids? Here’s everything you need to know about blue light and protective glasses.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is visible light with shorter wavelengths and more energy than light at the other end of the color spectrum. The primary source of blue light is the sun. However, it also comes from man-made sources such as TV screens, LED lights, fluorescent lights, and computers, tablets, and smartphones.
During the day, blue light is very beneficial to us. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, it boosts attention, reaction times, and mood. However, because it is a stimulant, blue light can block the body’s ability to secrete melatonin, a hormone that aids in sleep. Specifically, Harvard researchers have noted that just 6.5 hours of blue light exposure can delay sleep for about 3 hours.
As if kids not going to bed on time wasn’t already an issue, not getting enough sleep can also be detrimental to their health. Some may be at a higher risk of developing forgetfulness, depression, and other health issues.
Does it Hurt Their Eyes?
Kids get a lot more exposure to blue light outdoors than they do indoors. Fortunately, there is no evidence that blue light from screens causes damage to a child’s eyes. However, kids who spend a lot of time in front of screens may be more likely to develop digital eye strain. So what are some things you can do?
There is adjusting screen color. This could mean reducing the brightness or having a slightly yellow background. Many tablets, phones, and computers do have blue light filters built-in. Make sure to check your devices’ settings. However, there isn’t an optimal screen color for your eyes. So this is why you might want to consider blue light glasses.
How to Help With Glasses
Blue light glasses help block blue light from your eye. While blue-light-blocking glasses don’t absorb all of it, they block about 80% of the blue wavelength completely. Although blue light glasses are not necessary for children, they can certainly help prevent eye strain and sleepless nights. Ultimately, if you do decide to purchase blue light glasses, it is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor first. At Looking Glass Optical, we can help you decide the right age for this and if your child already wears glasses we can add a blue light filter coating to their existing pair.
Schedule a Back-to-School Eye Exam
We know this school year is going to look very different and more than ever your child’s eye health is important. Don’t forget to add back-to-school eye exams to your to-do list. Looking Glass Optical utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to thoroughly examine your child’s eyes with personalized communication and care. Not to mention, scheduling an exam will ensure your child has the best chance of performing well in school and other facets of life. Now, let’s get to learning!
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