How Blue Light Impacts Children's Eyes and Health
When your kid first got glasses, you probably thought they looked cute in their new specs. But now blue light is nearly everywhere, from phones to tablets to TVs, and too much screen time could be doing a number on their eyes. Don't panic. With the right blue light blocking glasses, you can help protect your child's vision and keep their eyes as sharp as their developing mind. In this article, we'll break down the science on how blue light impacts kids, show you the best glasses and filters for blocking the bad rays, and give you pro tips for limiting exposure. We know you want your child to see clearly now and far into the future, so let's dig into the details and make sure their eyes are getting the protection they need.
The Benefits of Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Kids
Blue light exposure is a growing concern for children and teens who spend increasing amounts of time staring at digital screens. The effects of blue light on developing eyes
Children's eyes are still developing, making them more vulnerable to damage from blue light. Too much screen time and exposure to blue light can lead to digital eye strain, sleep problems, and possibly long-term vision issues. Limiting blue light exposure, especially in the hour before bed, is important for healthy eye and sleep development in kids.
How blue light exposure can impact academic performance
Excessive blue light exposure is linked to difficulty concentrating and symptoms of ADD/ADHD in children. It can negatively impact memory, cognition, and learning. By reducing blue light and encouraging breaks from screens, you'll help keep kids focused and support their academic success.
Best blue light glasses options for children and teens
Blue light blocking glasses are an easy solution for kids. Look for glasses that block at least 50% of blue light and UV radiation. Kid-friendly options like Felix Gray, Pixel Eyewear and Zenni Optical offer stylish, affordable blue light glasses for children and teens.
Teaching kids about the importance of limiting blue light exposure
Educate your kids on why limiting screen time and blue light is so important for their health, sleep, eyes and learning. Set clear rules around tech use, especially before bed. Make blue light blocking glasses part of their daily routine and lead by example by limiting your own screen use, especially after dinner.
With the right precautions and open communication, you can help minimize the impacts of blue light on your child's development and set them up for long term eye and overall health.
Better Sleep
Blue light tricks our brains into thinking it's daytime, disrupting our circadian rhythms. For kids and teens who stare at screens before bed, this can make it hard to fall asleep. Blue light glasses block the wavelengths that suppress melatonin production, helping them wind down for sleep.
Improved Focus
Too much blue light exposure is linked to digital eye strain and difficulty concentrating. Blue light glasses reduce glare and eye fatigue so kids can focus better while doing homework, gaming, or watching videos. Some studies show blue light blocking lenses may even boost alertness and cognitive performance during the day.
Long-Term Eye Health
Exposure to blue light is a risk factor for macular degeneration later in life. While the effects tend to appear after age 50, damage accumulates over time. Blue light blocking glasses help establish good habits early and support eye health and development for years to come.
The best blue light blocking glasses for kids should be non-prescription, block at least 50% of blue light, and be comfortable and durable. Have your child wear them during screen time and for one hour before bed to maximize the benefits. Their eyes will thank you for it!
Setting Up a Blue Light Glasses Routine at Home and School
Flextech Kidframe
These durable frames are designed specifically for children ages 8 to 12. They offer 100% UV protection and filter out over 90% of blue light. The lenses are impact and scratch resistant, ideal for rough play. Multiple frame styles are available in fun colors like pink, blue and green that most kids will love. At around $25, these are very budget-friendly.
SmartKids Vision Pro (unable to find on Google)
For maximum blue light blocking, SmartKids Vision Pro glasses filter out 98% of harmful blue light. These frames are best for teens and pre-teens ages 10 and up. Lenses are non-toxic and BPA-free. Anti-glare coating helps reduce eye strain from long hours of screen time. At $35 to $45, these are still reasonably priced.
Swanwick Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Swanwick offers high-quality blue light glasses for all ages, including children and teens. Their stylish frames block 65% of blue light and 100% of UV rays. Lenses are non-polarized, scratch-resistant and minimize glare. Swanwick’s “Little Swannies” line has bright colors and fun patterns for kids. For teens, they have classic styles in popular colors like black, tortoise and clear. Prices range from $60 to $100.
The most important thing is finding blue light glasses your child will actually want to wear. Have them pick out a style they like, and consider making a rule that screens can only be used while wearing the glasses. Explain how blue light glasses will help their eyes feel better and prevent headaches after watching TV or using phones and tablets. Starting good eye health habits at an early age can benefit them for life. With the variety of kid-focused blue light glasses now available, it's easy to make screen time a little bit safer.
FAQs About Blue Light and Kids' Vision Health
At Home
To help reduce your child’s blue light exposure at home, set some guidelines around screen time and encourage the use of blue light glasses. Limit screen time to 1-2 hours per day and avoid screens 1 hour before bedtime. Have your child start wearing blue light glasses at least 30 minutes before starting any digital devices. Make it a habit for them to put on their blue light glasses as soon as they finish homework or come inside after playing outside.
In the Classroom
Talk to your child’s teacher about allowing the use of blue light glasses during school hours, especially when using digital screens or devices. Many schools now incorporate laptops, tablets and smartboards into lessons, exposing students to blue light for long periods. Blue light glasses can help reduce digital eye strain and support learning. If permitted, have your child keep their blue light glasses in their backpack and put them on whenever screens are being used in class.
Educating Kids
Help your child understand why limiting blue light exposure and wearing blue light glasses is so important for their eye health and development. Explain how blue light from screens and devices can negatively impact their sleep, focus and long term vision. Set a good example by also wearing blue light glasses when using your own digital devices. Make it a family habit and encourage siblings to do the same.
Finding the Right Fit
For the best protection, look for blue light glasses that block at least 30% of blue light in the 400 to 455 nm range. Glasses should be specifically designed for children with impact-resistant lenses and frames. Have your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist to determine the right lens power and ensure proper fit. Well-fitting blue light glasses will help maximize their effectiveness and encourage consistent use.Establishing a consistent routine and educating your child about the importance of blue light protection will help make wearing blue light glasses a habit. With your support, they will gain an appreciation for limiting screen time and taking care of their vision from an early age. Their eyes will thank you for it!