How to protect children’s eyesight from blue light?
Tablets, smartphones and other digital devices have changed our visual habits. It’s important to recognize that we spend more time looking very closely at a screen than ever before. The problem mainly concerns children. In fact, it is now confirmed that the prolonged use of devices by children and the consequent exposure to blue light is the major cause of damage to their eyesight.
BLUE LIGHT: THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON CHILDREN’S
EYESBlue light emissions from digital devices, combined with prolonged screen time, lead to eye fatigue and dry optic mucous membranes.
Various studies show that an eye subjected to intense blue light suffers retinal damage and, according to the opinion of several experts, exposure in childhood could cause early-onset macular degeneration, which results in the leading cause of blindness for the over 50s, as well as the earlier incidence of cataract-related diseases. Obviously, the risk is much lower for adult eyes, since they enjoy a completely natural defense: as they age, the lens begins to yellow, thus becoming a natural filter against the passage of blue light. The situation is different for children’s eyes, where blue light is able to penetrate the retina in a much more effective and direct way, precisely because of the development process still in progress.
HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF FROM BLUE LIGHT?
There are several ways to help children not impair their vision, the first of which is to limit access to blue light exposure, with regular interruptions in observation. Eye fatigue and dryness can be avoided if children are taught to take regular breaks while watching the screen, so that they do not experience burning sensations and dry eyes.
Secondly, it is necessary to take them outdoors, since myopia is often related more to the lack of time spent outdoors and the lack of exercise of long-distance vision than to the time dedicated to the tablet.
TIRED EYES: THE 20-20-20 RULE
The 20-20-20 rule can help prevent this problem. According to the latter, after twenty minutes spent looking at a screen, you should look at something 20 feet, or about 6 meters, away for 20 seconds and blink at least 20 times.
Following this rule will be a great way to remember to take frequent breaks, and in this way you will be able to reduce eye strain caused by digital screens. It is also necessary to make children responsible for the importance of not exceeding with the use of tablets and other devices.
BLUE LIGHT: THE PROTECTION TOOLS
There are protections on the market that can shield blue light. Starting with special films to be applied to devices; they are opaque and restful to the eye, scratch-resistant and able to ensure 99% transparency. The visual experience remains unaltered and the eye gains health.
In addition to screen films, there are also prescription lenses with filters on the glasses, able to guarantee a more comfortable and sharp vision during exposure to devices. The anti-blue light treatment allows you to: improve contrast and visual comfort, reduce glare and reflections on the lens, prevent blurred vision, dry and red eyes, headaches and insomnia.
Finally, it is a good idea to carry out annual check-ups from childhood until reaching the age of majority, when development is over and the eye can begin its natural protection process. Contact your optician to have an eye exam at your nearest store.
