Kids & screens – why and how to protect young eyes from blue light

Children today are the first generation of kids growing up with devices in their hands. To learn how that could affect their eyes, we spoke with Dr. Mark Langer from IRIS Optometrists and Opticians.

“We are quite concerned as eyecare providers about the damaging effects of blue light, specifically the type of light that’s coming from our digital screens.”

Dr. Langer said it’s similar to how UV light is damaging to soft tissue, and that while it’s to a slightly lesser degree, blue light is still damaging. Eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and different eye conditions from damage to the harmful light are a concern.

“We suspect we’re going to see those occurring at a much younger age because of all of the exposure to screen time,” said Dr. Langer.

That screen time starts early in the day for many people, and kids and teens are no exception. They’re also on screens throughout the school day. Add in gaming and time on their phones, and that’s a lot of exposure to blue light.

But there’s another factor.

Individuals younger than 20 are more susceptible to damage from both UV light from the sun and blue light. “Their pupils are larger, so they get more of that light into their eyes. But also, the eyes develop protective elements to preserve the retina from damaging light, but that doesn’t really set in until about age 25 or so.”

This means young people are more susceptible to damage because their eyes haven’t built up those natural protective properties yet.

Dr. Langer said he understands that limiting screen time can be a tough battle to win at times. He offered a couple other recommendations.

“There’s really good protection in terms of glasses that really help protect their eyes from some of that harmful light that they’re exposed to all day, every day.”

In fact, nearly every pair of glasses IRIS does for kids now has special protection built in to reduce the amount of harmful light entering the eye.

There are also different apps that can change the type of light coming off digital screens.

For details on glasses made with blue light protection, or any other questions about your child’s eye health, call (250) 542-2239 or stop by IRIS in the Village Green Shopping Centre.