My kid's daily screen time has jumped from roughly 20 minutes per day to upward of three or four hours, a frustrating turn of events following years of being told by pediatricians and child-psychology experts to limit my child's exposure to TVs, iPads, laptops, and cell phones like it was akin to hand, foot, and mouth disease.
There's simply no disputing the fact that, despite schools around the nation using screens to run their classrooms, the medium is a dangerous one for kids of all ages. Nevermind developmental issues that stem from prolonged screen time (researchers report that it is linked to poorer progress in communication skills like expressive speech, problem solving, and social interactions among young children over time), there are the potential physical effects, too. Excessive screen time can cause eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, bad posture, dry eyes, difficulty sleeping . . . the list goes on.
And to combat many of those problematic side effects, I've noticed a sudden trend of parents buying expensive "computer glasses," otherwise known as blue-light-blocking glasses, to combat the apparent shorter, blue-light wavelengths that are emitted from digital screens.
I've seen these glasses on the market for years, and I even splurged on a pair for myself a few years ago when I was starting to get midday headaches. They didn't make much of a difference, at least nothing beyond a placebo effect, so I stopped wearing them, and I never considered paying top dollar for kid versions until now.
Once hard to find, the demand for child-size versions of these specs is exploding. It now takes two clicks on Instagram to order a pair of brightly colored nonprescription frames. But do they really make a difference, and are they worth the expense when parents are already strapped financially thin? Or is this another case of "do what's best for your child" fearmongering? The answer isn't as straightforward as I'd like, but after digging into the research and speaking to several eye experts, including my child's own ophthalmologist, I know whether or not I'll be buying them for my child and what other techniques I can use, free of charge, to help offset the physical strain caused by screens.
It's easy to see why parents may feel the need to buy blue-light-blocking glasses or fancy screen protection covers. Contradictory advice often drives parents to take the path of extreme caution, and scientific jargon can leave them feeling confused. For instance, research in medical journals alludes to how these shorter light waves pass through the cornea and lens, but what does that really mean?
Dr. Scott Edmonds, an optometrist, told POPSUGAR that children's "still-developing eyes generally allow for more high-energy blue light to reach and potentially damage their retinas" and that excessive blue-light emissions "may produce oxidative and phytotoxic damage to cells in the cornea and retina of the eye."
He also noted a study published in BMJ Open Ophthalmology that computer-specific glasses with progressive lenses may help people maintain eye health. But even that study acknowledged a lack of "strong evidence" that what is potential correlation between blue light and eye strain is the same as causation.
In fact, Edmonds noted that blue light which is said to keep people alert isn't only emitted via screens. Blue light is, frankly, everywhere. It's in LED and fluorescent lighting, and most notably, it's sourced from the sun. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), people get 10 times as much blue light from the sun during any given day as they do from a computer screen.
"While exposure to blue light from the sun during the day is normal, the heath concern is from increased exposure to digital displays, especially during the evening," Edmonds said.
According to Dr. Purnima Patel, that very factor the use of screens in the evening hours is the actual source of harm with regard to blue lights, not eye damage. (Patel is the clinical spokesperson for the AAO, and she noted that ophthalmologists are actual medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care.)
"Blue light is associated with and contributes to our body's circadian rhythm our natural waking up and sleeping cycle," Patel told POPSUGAR. "Blue light, especially for people looking at their iPads or phones at night in bed, can disrupt their ability to sleep. From a circadian rhythm standpoint, it does have an effect. We do not think it is damaging their eyes."
She believes this is why there is so much conflicting evidence about the root of blue light's harm.
"There's no scientific evidence to suggest that blue light from our screens or devices are damaging our eyes or our children's eyes," she said, a statement for which my child's eye doctor adamantly concurred. "That's why the American Academy of Opthalmology does not recommend blue-light-blocking computer glasses."
So if blue-light exposure isn't an issue, and if we aren't letting our kids watch the iPad at bedtime, why is there still universal concern that screens cause what the ophthalmology community calls "visible eye strain"?
Patel points to increasing rates of myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, worldwide.
"There is a genetic component to nearsightedness, but there is increasing evidence that there's an environmental component as well, and more and more studies are showing fast-rising numbers of myopia in children, especially in Asian countries," she said. "They're linking it to this rise in doing 'near work.' In the evolution of humans, we've transitioned from doing more agrarian work to this industrialized work that all takes place at 'near.' We're looking at computer screens, we're filling out forms. A lot of our work is all done at this level versus centuries ago when people were farmers working more in the distance."
Further, "far work" is easier on eyes, whereas one's eyes have to work harder to see anything at the near level, which is generally less than arm's length.
Considering that 80 percent of what children learn is visual versus, say, auditory or tactile and that this past decade has seen an ever-increasing allotment of daily screen time for toddlers and young children, it's not surprising that more and more children are developing the common symptoms associated with myopia, namely blurry vision, dry eyes, and headaches.
"These are the more common symptoms people experience from just staring at the screen for longer than we're used to, especially our children," Patel said.
Obviously, limiting screen time is the most effective solution to limit visible eye strain and the risk of developing myopia, but even if I cut my child's school day in half, she's still exceeding the official American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that young children ages 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day.
What else can parents do? Patel and Edmonds offered a handful of techniques that, if they become habitual, may make a sizable difference in eye health.
See the article here:
Why Parents Don't Need to Buy Into the Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses Trend - POPSUGAR
- Shedding Light on Indoor Gardening: Beginner's Guide to Plant Lighting - WTAQ - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- The 3 Best LED Light Bulbs of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter - The New York Times - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Interior Lighting Market Advanced Technology and New Innovations by 2032 - WhaTech - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Best LED Floodlight Bulbs of 2024 - CNET - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- 'Glow big or glow home!': New synchronized holiday light show comes to South Jersey - WLS-TV - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Light Up Your Home with Stylish Finds from Amazon: Indoor Lighting At Up To 75% Off - NDTV - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Best LED Light Bulb for Every Room in Your House in 2024 - CNET - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Sun Valley Resort revamping iconic outdoor ice rink - boisedev.com - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Why your gas grill isn't lighting the 8 top issues and how to solve ... - Yahoo News - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Shining a light on efficiency and productivity metrics for CEA lighting - hortidaily.com - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Brightech Solar String Lights Review: Are They Worth It? - Tested by - Bob Vila - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- 10 Gen Z-inspired office interior design ideas for improved workplace wellness - Hindustan Times - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Millions of Birds Fly Over Illinois During Annual Northward Migration - NBC Chicago - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Outdoor living room mistakes 5 errors to avoid, and the tips garden ... - Homes & Gardens - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Smart Lighting Market Production Value, Price, Gross Margin and ... - Cottonwood Holladay Journal - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- The Advantages of LED Corn Light Bulbs for the Home or Business - Digital Journal - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Where to Stay Active After Dark in the Coachella Valley - Palm Springs Life - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Europe Smart Lighting Market 2023 Competitive Trends, Top ... - Cottonwood Holladay Journal - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- The Tribune Tower Begins Its Second Chapter as a Luxury Residence - Metropolis Magazine - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- US: States can boost sustainable indoor agriculture with energy ... - hortidaily.com - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Japandi Bedroom: 8 Steps To Transform Your Sleep Space - House Beautiful - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- A New Sports Bar Celebrates Afterparties for Raiders Games and ... - Eater Vegas - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Troy Lighting, Indoor, Outdoor - Lighting New York - April 5th, 2023 [April 5th, 2023]
- Horticulture Lighting Market Projected to reach worth $9.4 billion by 2027 Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets - Yahoo Finance - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- 4 Ways Make the Outside Your Favorite Room in the House - RisMedia.com - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Lowe's Haunted Mansion collection is materializing this Halloween - Attractions Magazine - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Power Converter/Inverter Market Dynamics, Segments and Trends in the 2022-2030 - Taiwan News - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Adidas gives its wireless on-ear workout headphones a solar-powered boost - Digital Trends - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Global Smart Wearables in Healthcare Industry Refocusing On The Market Fundamentals And Forecast Analysis 2022-2030 - Taiwan News - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- new sveltia offices and logistics center by EEG in argentina - Designboom - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Will To Live Online Update 0.57: New Event and Rewards - Player.One - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Masonic lodges secure a permit to revive a former West Stockbridge club. But with conditions - Berkshire Eagle - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- After a Two Year Hiatus, Opryland to Bring Back ICE Attraction This Holiday Season - Williamson Source - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Living Outside: 7 Health Benefits According To Science - Nation World News - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- The 2021 Middleburg Heights Community Tree Lighting Festival Will Be on Friday, November 26th. - Middleburg Heights - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder - WTOP - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- 2021 holiday events in and around the Denver area - Denver Gazette - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing jumps more than $2,000 with next generation - The Detroit News - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- How to Use Grow Lights for the Healthiest Indoor Garden - FOX10 News - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- Indoor Farming Lighting Market 2021-2026 Size and Share, Recent Enhancements and Regional Analysis | Key Companies: Philips Lighting (Netherlands),... - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- The top holiday events in St. Pete 2021 - I Love the Burg - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- Dobbin St is Opening Its Swanky Doors On November 10 - greenpointers.com - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- Eataly Flatiron Opens Bar Milano With a Negroni Bar Cart for First Restaurant in Three Years - Eater NY - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- The CDC Has No Guidance on Post-booster Behavior - The Atlantic - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- GE Lighting, a Savant company Releases New CYNC, Powered by Savant Mobile App, Indoor Smart Camera, and Outdoor Smart Plug to Further Expand Its Whole... - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Save big on GE's smart lighting in this today-only sale - TechHive - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Impact Of Covid 19 On Indoor Farming Lighting Industry 2020 Market Challenges, Business Overview And Forecast Research Study 2026 The Manomet Current... - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- It's Summertime and the Living is Easy! - Magazine of Santa Clarita - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Megan Brasher and Renee Genereux: Brandino Brass - thehomewoodstar.com - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Huawei's Ryan Ding: Ongoing Innovation Is Lighting up the Future of Every Industry - PRNewswire - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- No sun, no soil, and robot farmers: Is this tomorrows food crop? - The Age - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Global Chip-On-Board Light Emitting Diodes Market to Generate Exciting Opportunities in the Industry by 2025 The Manomet Current - The Manomet... - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Pay attention to "deterioration of concrete" in the inspection report - Texasnewstoday.com - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Be safe this holiday weekend by following these safety tips from MCHD - FOX10 News - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Huawei's Ryan Ding says ongoing innovation is lighting up the future of every industry - Korea IT Times - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Mt. Abram In Maine Was Once Home To A Thrilling Monorail Ride - wcyy.com - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Dimmable LED Lighting Market Growth Analysis, Incredible Possibilities and Forecast To 2026 New Mexico Tribune - New Mexico Tribune - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- 10 Ways to Beautify the Backyard in One Weekend - GoodHousekeeping.com - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Signify Adds Expertise to Its Horticulture Lighting Team - Greenhouse Grower - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- This Home in Thailand Features a Rock Climbing Wall and Light-Filled Brick Facade - HYPEBEAST - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Lighting Contactor Market to Witness Steady Growth through 2023 | ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Eaton - Digital Journal - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Orion Q4'21 Revenue Rose 37% to $35.5M on Strong LED Lighting Retrofit Activity - GlobeNewswire - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Price Hike of LED Lighting Products May Boost Revenue - Novus Light Today - Novus Light Technologies Today - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Is indoor farming about to have a moment? - Fast Company - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Indoor LED Lighting Market Outlook 2027: Top Companies, Trends by Regions, Types and Applications The Manomet Current - The Manomet Current - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Quebec LED company hopes to light up investor interest in second attempt as public company - The Globe and Mail - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Spruce Up Your Dining Space With The Right Lighting And Trendy Furniture - Femina - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Is the Marshall Law Band Bringing Home a Pulitzer? We'll Know on June 11 - TheStranger.com - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Samsung QN90A series (2021) QLED TV review: Closer than ever to OLED - CNET - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- 11 best bedroom plants that help to purify the air - The Independent - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Global General Purpose Lighting Equipment Market 2020 Size, Share, Global Business Opportunity, Demand, Trends, Revenue, Growth, Application Outlook... - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Add pizzazz to the room outside with pizza ovens and barbecues - Irish Examiner - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- How to grow healthy houseplants this blooming season - Coast Report - June 2nd, 2021 [June 2nd, 2021]
- Philadelphia Turns Lights Out for Migrating Birds | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com - The Weather Channel - May 22nd, 2021 [May 22nd, 2021]
- New study finds that Americans believe daylight is essential to their wellbeing, yet they spend most of their time indoors - PRNewswire - May 22nd, 2021 [May 22nd, 2021]
- Why LED Lighting Will Be the Future of IoT Lighting Systems? - The Future of Things - May 22nd, 2021 [May 22nd, 2021]
- Your Guide to the Ultimate Summer Garden - The Wall Street Journal - May 22nd, 2021 [May 22nd, 2021]
- Aging in Place Comfortably and Stylishly - The New York Times - May 22nd, 2021 [May 22nd, 2021]
- Understated elegance: These contemporary Texas Hill Country-style homes to be featured in this years Parade of Homes - KSAT San Antonio - May 22nd, 2021 [May 22nd, 2021]
- In-depth Research on LED Indoor Lighting Market Forecast Estimation & Approach 2021-2026 | Philips, Osram, Cree, GE Lighting, MaxLite, Gemcore,... - May 22nd, 2021 [May 22nd, 2021]