Should I Get Blue Light Glasses For My Child?
Disclaimer: Despite large amounts of anecdotal evidence from wearers of blue light glasses, current scientific evidence does not show a link between blue light-blocking lenses and the benefits outlined in this article, although research is ongoing.
In today’s digital age, kids are spending more time on screens than any other generation before. With all this screen time, many parents are concerned about the effects of blue light on their children’s eyes. So, do kids really need blue light glasses?
In this article, we’ll delve into what blue light is, how it might affect your child’s eyes, the pros and cons of blue light glasses and whether these glasses are safe for kids.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a high-energy visible light that can be seen by the human eye. It is emitted by the sun and digital devices we use everyday, such as phones, computers and tablets.
Blue light rays sit at the high-energy end of the visible light spectrum and have the shortest yet most powerful wavelength.These waves are closest to invisible ultraviolet rays, which are known to be the most harmful.
In simple terms, the problem with blue light is that the human eye has trouble filtering it out. As a result, this light reaches deeper into the eye, where it can potentially cause more damage. This is where blue light glasses come in.
DID YOU KNOW?
Children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults’ eyes, making them more susceptible to potential damage from prolonged screen time.
What are blue light glasses?
Blue light glasses go by a few different names. You might hear them called blue light-blocking glasses, blue light filter glasses or simply blue blockers. But what exactly are blue light glasses?
These glasses are designed to filter out the specific range of electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum, described above. As we all now spend so much time in front of digital screens, it’s worth considering a pair of blue light glasses to help limit some of the harmful effects that come with this blue light exposure.
Are blue light glasses safe for kids?
Blue light glasses are a safe and smart choice for kids. With a variety of colourful and stylish frames, blue light blocking glasses are designed to appeal to kids’ tastes, making them a win-win for both children and parents.
Selecting a durable material is crucial as kinds tend to put their glasses through quite a lot of wear and tear. For those with allergy concerns, hypoallergenic materials such as titanium can put your mind at ease, ensuring that your child won’t have any allergic reactions to the frames.
Benefits of blue light glasses
Let’s dive into the key benefits that will reassure you why kids blue light glasses are a smart choice for your child’s eye health.
Reduced eye strain
If your child finds themselves glued to screens for long periods, whether it’s for online learning or intense gaming sessions, blue light glasses can be a game-changer. By mitigating eye strain, blue light glasses offer a vital solution for safeguarding your child’s overall well-being.
Improved sleep
Blue light glasses can significantly benefit children by reducing disruptions to their sleep. By filtering out blue light from screens, these glasses help maintain melatonin production, which is crucial for regulating sleep. This leads to improved sleep quality, fewer nighttime awakenings and a more consistent bedtime routine.
Reduced light sensitivity
For some kids, bright lights, especially blue light, can be a real problem. If your child squints or complains about eye discomfort when they’re using screens or under certain lights, tinted blue light glasses could be the solution. They’ll tone down the harsh glare and make screen time way more comfortable for your little one.
Downsides of blue light glasses
Besides their benefits, it’s important to consider some potential downsides of blue light glasses for kids.
One potential downside of blue light glasses for kids is that they may become reliant on them and neglect other important habits for eye health, such as taking regular breaks from screens.
Over-reliance on blue light glasses could obscure underlying issues that may require medical attention, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to continue with regular eye check-ups for your child.
Should you get blue light glasses for your child?
In cases where your child frequently uses digital devices or experiences eye strain, blue light glasses can be a practical option to provide additional protection and comfort.
However, by implementing basic precautions—such as managing screen time, encouraging regular breaks from screens and using blue light screen protectors for digital devices—you can help mitigate the potential harmful effects of blue light on your child’s eyes without relying on blue light glasses.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not blue light children’s glasses are suitable for your child.
If you’ve got questions about blue light glasses or anything related to eyecare and eyewear, you can speak to one of our certified opticians via the link at the top of the page.
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