For a lot of people, a day in their life includes being in front of a computer screen or using their phones most of the time, and kids nowadays are no exception to that. Eyeglasses that are equipped with blue light filters are designed to help block the harmful blue-violet lights that emit from our phones and computer screens.
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light is actually everywhere around us as it’s found in the sun’s rays and from the screens of electronic devices. [1] So, while everyone is exposed to blue light from the sun, nowadays, more than ever, people, from kids to adults, are glued to their more damaging gadgets. The extreme exposure to blue light from electronic devices has been a cause of concern since it can affect anyone.
Professionals have come up with a solution to lessen the impact of blue light. Excessive exposure can destroy retina cells, and in extreme cases, it can even trigger the onset of blindness. [2] The blue light glasses are made specifically to help filter out the blue light coming from electronic devices.
The eyeglasses contain surface coatings on the lenses that block the blue light emitting from the screens. They can be used to avoid eye strain and reduce headaches when spending too much time in front of screens. Blue light glasses for kids are also available and have become an increasing need during the past year because of the introduction of online classes throughout the world.
Blue Light Glasses Benefits
Wearing blue light glasses is said to provide numerous benefits for kids who spend a lot of time online. Let’s be honest, the amount of time spent in front of digital screens is not about to decrease anytime soon. Assistance is very much needed to slow down the impact of blue light rays. The glasses can help avoid Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome.
Here are some benefits to wearing blue light glasses:
Fewer Headaches
Being exposed to an excess of blue light from the screens can trigger headaches and migraines. Wearing the glasses can help prevent or reduce migraine attacks as the blue light gets filtered.
Improved Sleep
Some research has suggested that wearing glasses can have an impact on sleep quality. Technology has certainly impacted sleeping patterns, especially for kids who are often immersed in technology. [3]
Researchers have stated that blue light from the screens delays the release of melatonin which is a sleep-inducing hormone that is released by the body a couple of hours before sleeping. The glasses can help increase the production of melatonin since the blue light is filtered. This enables a better night’s sleep without compromising productivity at night.
Decreased Eye Strain
Too much screen time, whether it’s from phones, televisions, or computers, can have kids experiencing Computer Vision Syndrome. Some symptoms might be dry eyes, fatigue, headaches, and poor posture.
Blue light glasses can help kids, especially those participating in online classes, decrease eye strain and be more alert as they can help eliminate those symptoms. The glasses can also help in improving concentration since they block the blue light making it easier to focus.
Reduce Risks of Eye Diseases
The retinas in the eyes are protected by the lenses and cornea from harmful UV lights, but blue light is not one of them. If the retina is damaged, it can lead to diseases like macular degeneration, which can ultimately lead to blindness. Cataracts can also be caused by extreme exposure to blue light. The glasses can help protect the retinas from blue light and prevent long-lasting eye conditions.
Do Blue Light Glasses Work?
The glasses are marketed to be extremely beneficial to those who wear them, especially if a lot of time is spent in front of screens. Here’s the catch though, there has not been a lot of research to make a definite conclusion about the effectiveness of blue light glasses for kids.
The glasses can reduce the amount of blue light that enters the eyes, but there is no research to support the claims that the glasses have scientifically-proven benefits. [4]
According to a study published in January 2019, the special filters found on the glasses do block the blue light, but they didn’t prevent digital eye strain symptoms from showing up.
It is important to remember that Computer Vision Syndrome does not only come from blue light, but also from how the gadgets are used. The amount of time spent in front of a screen has a bigger impact on eye health. Checking with an optometrist is a great option to find out if your kids require blue light glasses.
Best Blue Light Glasses For Kids
It is hard to avoid spending time in front of computer screens or TVs nowadays, especially when the world was in lockdown for a year. Kids had to attend classes for hours online and spend time watching or playing on their phones afterward.
As mentioned before, blue light glasses have filters that can help, but it would still depend on how much time is spent in front of digital monitors that would play a part in triggering symptoms.
There are several options for those who want to get their kids some blue light glasses. Here is a compilation on what are the best choices available in the market:
Nooz Optics Cruzy Blue Light Glasses
This is great for those undertaking online classes as it is quite lightweight. It is also flexible and has an anti-scratch coating with no screws that can come loose. It’s quite durable and perfect for those long online classes. There are 2 sizes available: for kids ages 3 to 5 and for those who are 6 and up.
Pixel Eyewear
You can choose from their collection of four frames for kids. All their glasses have a blue light filter as well as UV protection and anti-glare coating. They are multifunctional and offer something more than blue light protection for your kids.
Jonas Paul Eyewear
The company offers glasses for kids and teenagers alike. Prescription and nonprescription eyeglasses are available for order. You can choose a pair from their collection but just make sure that you choose the additional option of having blue light blocking lenses for the glasses you choose.
Foster Grant
Their collection includes the ones with blue light filters as well as clear and tinted glasses. If your kids spend a lot of time playing computer or mobile games, the company also has gaming glasses. They have a special tint to provide better protection since the special tint blocks more blue light, according to them.
Gunnar Cruz Kids Glasses
These glasses are available in prescription and nonprescription lenses. They offer 2 blue light filter options: one blocks 65% of blue light with an added amber tint, and the other option blocks only 35% of blue light. The glasses are in a nylon frame which makes them more durable for kids. they also come with added UV protection.
Are Blue Light Glasses Worth It?
The answer to this question will really depend on your situation and how much time you spend in front of screens.
As discussed before, there is not a lot of research that can help create a conclusive explanation that blue light causes too much harm or that blue light glasses have a significant impact on reducing symptoms of digital eye strain.
One common denominator from the different studies is that the blue light glasses filter out the emissions coming from screens. The benefits do not have scientific results to stand on and they often come from the manufacturers of those glasses.
Some glasses are quite expensive and are not suggested by some to invest in considering the lack of research about the subject. It is better to try out some of the cheaper ones which offer the same features.
According to professionals, the best way to lessen the symptoms is to control or modulate the time spent by your kids on their devices, especially if it does not involve online classes anymore.
Bottomline:
Using digital screens for long periods can be harmful, as the screens emit blue light. Research is scarce regarding the subject at this point. Hence, there is no detailed explanation as to how blue light glasses for kids can significantly improve their eye conditions. You can always consult an optometrist if symptoms start to show up.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Zhao, Z. C., Zhou, Y., Tan, G., & Li, J. (2018). Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes. International journal of ophthalmology, 11(12), 1999–2003. https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2018.12.20
- Ratnayake, K., Payton, J. L., Lakmal, O. H., & Karunarathne, A. (2018). Blue light excited retinal intercepts cellular signaling. Scientific reports, 8(1), 10207. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28254-8
- Ostrin, L. A., Abbott, K. S., & Queener, H. M. (2017). Attenuation of short wavelengths alters sleep and the ipRGC pupil response. Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists), 37(4), 440–450. https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.12385
- Lawrenson, J. G., Hull, C. C., & Downie, L. E. (2017). The effect of blue-light blocking spectacle lenses on visual performance, macular health and the sleep-wake cycle: a systematic review of the literature. Ophthalmic & physiological optics : the journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists), 37(6), 644–654. https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.12406
