I’ve written before about Blue Tech Technology, primarily addressing the impact of blue light on adults, typically due to high computer use. But kids also suffer from the effects. After all, kids’ arms are shorter and the light generated by laptops, tablets, and mobile phones is more intense at that shorter distance.
What is Blue Light?
Blue light is the highest energy light we can see. It falls on the light spectrum just below ultra-violet (UV) light, which is invisible and has even higher energy. Sunlight is the main source of blue light, but our televisions, computers, tablets, and phone screens also generate significant amounts. In addition, fluorescent and LED lights also emit the light.
Impact
There are a number of impacts. First, it is one of the causes of digital eye strain with more than 65% of Americans experiencing digital eye strain symptoms including dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, as well as neck and back pain. Kids experience digital eye strain too.
Second, when digital screens are used at night, they can disrupt sleep patterns. This can be particularly troublesome for children. In fact, it can lead to hyperactivity, difficulty focusing on tasks, all of which strongly resembles ADHD. It can greatly impact teenagers who need more sleep, but stay up late texting while absorbing blue light, preventing sound sleep.
Reducing It
There are several ways to reduce your exposure. The primary method is to stop using screens a few hours before going to bed. That might be challenging, particularly with your teenager.
Another method is to use a blue light filter that can be attached to the screens of computers, tablets, and smartphones. There are also mobile apps that can be added to phones and tablets that automatically filter the blue light on the screen at night.
Lenses
Another approach is to use glasses that have protection built-in. This is can take the form of a special coating applied to the lenses. These lenses are often coated front and back, eliminating glare while also filtering the blue light.
BlueTech lenses are actually infused with a lens pigment combined with melanin that helps filter out blue light and UV light. This gives them a slight yellow-brown hue. There are also several other lens options to consider for protection.
There’s More
There’s always more. I’ve written a couple of posts that are related to this topic. Try “Computer Glasses for Kids” and “Kids and Computer Vision Syndrome.”
Better yet, stop by and let’s talk about what your child is experiencing and how we can help.
Give us a call at 972-612-2099.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
