How does blue light affect children’s eyes?

We hear a lot about blue light in the context of screens – whether that be phones, computers, or TVs. But did you know that the biggest source of blue light actually comes from the sun?  Although sometimes UV light is useful, it seems to have the opposite effect when you or your kids are constantly exposed at close range for prolonged periods of time!

How does blue light affect children’s eyes?

Consistently using computers, tablets, or smartphones can overstimulate the brain, causing detrimental flow-on effects to the sleep cycle and mood through suppression of serotonin levels. These symptoms could potentially bring on other symptoms, such as headaches, dry eyes, and digital eye strain. Blue light protection can be added to kids glasses, so this problem can be solved.  

Why is blue light bad?

As blue light is a form of UV light, the problems that it may cause are no different from, indeed, UV light. In small doses this would not represent a serious issue and would even give you a nice suntan; however, prolonged exposure can lead to sunburn or even skin cancer in extreme cases. 

Blue light is similar. It’s also emitted by the sun, and while it won’t give you sunburn or skin cancer, it can still cause quite a few problems. The blue light emitted from computer screens is somewhat insignificant compared to that emitted by the sun, but can still potentially be harmful. This is due to a combination of two factors: prolonged exposure to it from staring at LED screens, coupled with the fact that our eyes are just not that well adapted to blocking it (this can cause eye irritations).

According to some studies (including ones from Harvard Medical School (2012) and the University of Houston (2017)), blue light can be harmful and damage your retinal cells when it reaches dangerously short wavelengths (between 415nm and 455nm). This is because your eyes cannot naturally block it out, which is why blue light glasses have been made.

The main symptoms both grown-ups and kids feel that they are affected by are eye strain, sleep issues, and headaches. To counteract the possible effects of blue light, try zFORT® blue light filter glasses. These lenses help to filter out blue light before it reaches your eyes, which could contribute to improving possible symptoms.

Exposure to blue light and screen time

Usually, children are exposed to much less blue light indoors than outdoors, so the risk of increased blue light exposure at home is much more significant. Nowadays, kids spend a lot of time in front of screens such as virtual classes, playing video games and communicating with friends. Using some form of technology has become a part of their day to day activities. With a clear increase in technology usage and this increasing day by day, children and teenagers are more likely to experience digital eye strain and an increase in eye irritations, also known as computer vision syndrome.

Blue light glasses for kids

One perfect way to avoid blue light harming your kid’s eyes is to use blue light protection glasses. They protect the eyes from prolonged exposure to blue light and stop the brain from becoming overwhelmed and kicking into overdrive. This happens through a special treatment that is applied directly to the lens of the glasses. It takes the concept of polarization (in which the treatment is applied vertically to combat horizontal glare) and enhances it to block the transmission of high-frequency blue light wavelengths from devices.

When should your kids wear blue light glasses?

Since blue light glasses filter out possible harmful wavelengths of  light, they are recommended to be worn  when exposed to blue light itself. This includes almost all electronic devices with screens – so, whether kids are watching TV, playing with their tablets and smartphones, or playing computer games. The best blue light blocking glasses with zFORT® technology can minimize you and your little ones risk of eye strain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. 

We suggest wearing blue light glasses:

• On extremely bright, sunny days
• In front of a computer monitor
• In spaces with fluorescent lights
• When using your phone (especially at night)
• When a migraine feels imminent

Where can I buy blue light glasses near me?

At SmartBuyGlasses, you will find the experience of buying blue light glasses for your kids fun, fast and easy. Having a wide range of options to choose from, you will likely want to buy for yourself as well! Why fun? Let your little one try their new blue light glasses for themselves with the online virtual try-on-tool with no ques, no fuss, and no pressure! 

Simply choose your favourite blue light glasses for your kids, add their favourite frames to the cart, upload their prescription (if relevant) and make sure you select ‘blue light’ treatment during the checkout process. Then the order is going to be processed,  and depending on your choices, you will be able to have them on their way to you within 2-4 working days!

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