Digital eye strain among kids has always been a concern, but it’s especially so for parents whose kids are still using virtual learning. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce digital strain: you can teach them the 20-20-20 rule (they should take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds) and adjust their computer’s displays settings for easier viewing.
What about computer eyeglasses? Do they really protect your child against digital eye strain? The short answer is yes; provide some form of protection for your child’s still-developing eyes. Joel H McGahen OD elaborates further below:
Is exposure to blue light a bad thing? Currently, there’s no evidence suggesting blue light can damage your child’s vision. However, there is one major caveat: medical researchers are still not sure about the long-term effects of exposure to blue light. That’s mostly because it’s only recently that humans have been exposed to this much blue light being emitted from device screens.
Most experts would agree that limiting your kids’ screen time is still the best time to reduce exposure to blue light. However, it’s hard to limit your kids’ device usage when the majority of students still rely on virtual learning. Fortunately, as mentioned earlier, there are several ways to reduce digital eye strain and, by extension, exposure to blue light. One of them is to have your kids wear blue light glasses, which can lower their exposure to blue-violet rays by 80 percent or more. To learn more about the benefits of blue light glasses, consult your eye doctor.
Looking for eye specialists near your area?
Joel H McGahen OD is an optometrist with more than three decades of experience. To schedule an appointment, call us at (717) 264-4012 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Chambersburg as well as the surrounding PA communities.