The Dangers of Screen Time

Children who use smart phones or tablets are at risk of potential irreversible eye damage because of blue light emissions from digital device screens. Although most complaints of dry eye and eye strain are treatable, the eyes are still developing and prolonged exposure to screens can lead to early onset macular degeneration and cataracts!

With the explosion of handheld technology, I have witnessed a HUGE increase in patients complaining of eye strain and dry eyes caused by excessive screen time.

Although these conditions can be treated and prevented with taking regular breaks and eye exercises, the dangers of blue light exposure are still relatively unknown.

There has also been a shocking increase in the amount of children who are becoming near-sighted at an earlier age! Although genetics play a role in your eventual level of vision, this can be deterred or delayed by limiting near-work or near activities during early childhood development. If we are stuck indoors all day in front of a screen, our eye muscles tend to go into a spasm and this eventually induces or exacerbates any existing near-sightedness.

The potential harm to children is too great to ignore. I prescribe blue control lenses to all children and it is highly recommended that non-prescription lenses with a blue-blocker filter be given to any child who spends any time in front of a screen.

Evidence shows intense blue light causes damage to the back of the eye — the retina — and exposure in children could possibly lead to early onset macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness for those over 50, and to the earlier incidence of cataracts.

The risk is less for adult eyes which have an inherent natural defence : the lens starts to yellow as we age, which then acts to block out some of the blue light. As children’s eyes are STILL developing, blue light is able to penetrate much more efficiently and directly into the retina.

It is really shocking that we are giving tablets and phones to children as young as two to play with - we should be concerned about what the ramifications might be. We should not allow technology to baby sit our kids to the detriment of their eye health.

If you have toddlers/teens who have trouble falling asleep at night resulting in a vicious cycle that produces over-tired, grumpy children, the following fact might shed some light as to what the problem might be. Blue wavelengths are crucial during daylight — they boost our attention, reaction and mood — but are disastrous at night as they interfere with circadian rhythm and disrupt sleep!

Try to break the habit by reducing screen time by half an hour every day until your child is down to just one hour. You will be surprised with the overall change in behaviour, mood swings and the bedtime battle will cease to exist!

Contact us if you'd like to learn more about Blue Blocker lenses.