Kids and Screens: How Blue Light Affects Their Eyes (And What You Can Do About It)
Discover how screen time and blue light impact your child’s eye health—and simple steps you can take to protect their vision.
Let’s be honest—screens aren’t going anywhere. Between tablets at school, YouTube at home, and texting friends, kids are spending more time than ever in front of digital devices. As an eye doctor who also plays video games, I get it.
But with all that screen time comes a growing concern: blue light.
What Exactly is Blue Light?
“Light” actually consists of multiple colors, and every color has a different amount of energy. Warmer colors, such as reds and yellows have less energy than cooler colors, such as blue and purple. For example, the sun produces blue light, which is higher in energy than other colors - but this is also emitted by electronic devices, such as phones and computers.
Blue light isn’t inherently bad, it helps regulate sleep and mood (we all love a bright sunny day), but too much of it can strain the eyes, especially in kids.
Why Do We Care About Blue Light?
Unlike adults, kids’ eyes are still developing. Their lenses are more transparent, allowing more blue light to reach the retina. This can lead to:
- Digital Eye Strain: Dryness, headaches, blurry vision
- Sleep Disruption: Blue light suppresses melatonin production, delaying sleep
What You Can Do as a Parent
Here are a few simple steps to help protect your child’s vision:
- Schedule an eye exam with your Optometrist: Especially if your child complains of eye fatigue, squints, or rubs their eyes often
- Use Blue-Light Filtering Lenses: We offer these for both prescription and non-prescription glasses to help reduce blue light exposure
- Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Ideally, no screens 1–2 hours before sleep.
Concerned About Myopia (Nearsightedness) Too?
Excessive use of digital devices and myopia go hand in hand. If your child is nearsighted or their prescription is increasing quickly, we can help. We specialize in myopia control—including Ortho-K and MiSight lenses—which can help slow progression and preserve long-term vision. Please see our other blog posts if you’d like more information!
Myopia Control with MiSight: A Clearer Future for Your Child
CRT Lenses and Myopia Control: How Can I Help My Child’s Vision?
Final Thoughts
Screens are part of modern life. But that doesn’t mean your child’s eyes have to suffer.
If you’re concerned about their vision, we’re here to help.
👉 Book an eye exam today!
📅 Schedule online or call us at (425) 746-2122