Digital gadgets are becoming more important in children's education, whether for schoolwork or at home. Due to this, parents must take good care of their kids' eyes. Using digital gadgets in moderation generally does not do much damage to your kids' eyes, but using them excessively might prove harmful and lead to digital eye strain and other vision problems.

One approach to mitigate this is to have your children wear blue light glasses, which are known to minimize blue light rays. These rays are emitted by all the digital devices in our surroundings, and have become an inevitable part of our daily life. Various studies have proven that extended exposure to blue light harms our vision.

Blue light-blocking eyewear has gained popularity among parents who wish to take preventative steps to safeguard their children's eyes. Blue light blocking glasses can be used by children who use prescription glasses and even those who do not. While these glasses are beneficial for both adults and children, in this article, our focus will be on the best blue light-blocking glasses for kids.

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN AND ITS SYMPTOMS

Computer vision syndrome, often known as digital eye strain, is a prevalent eye condition that can affect both adults and children. It is caused by the excessive use of digital gadgets, including tablets, computers, and televisions. Although it creates significant discomfort, it is not a life-threatening condition. If your kids have digital eye strain, the symptoms typically go away when they rest their eyes and stop looking at screens for a while.

However, your children's eyes might suffer short- and long-term harm from digital eye strain, such as retinal aging before its time. Younger children are more susceptible to eye damage from blue light, because their eyes are more sensitive and permeable than adults' eyes. There are a few signs to watch out for, if you believe your kids may be experiencing digital eye strain, such as:

• Constant vision discomfort
• Headaches
• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Double or blurry vision
• Trouble focusing the eyes
• Sensitivity to light

If your children are exhibiting these symptoms and you fear it is due to excessive usage of digital screens, you can opt for blue light glasses to alleviate and avoid the problems. It should be noted that these glasses serve more of a preventive and a basic safeguarding method. For major vision issues or severe digital eye strains, parents should get their children diagnosed by an optometrist.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS?

Reduced blue light exposure can aid children's circadian rhythms and sleep quality. Limiting screen time is the most effective approach to do this. However, restricting the use of mobile devices and televisions after sunset is unrealistic for many families.

Another approach to minimize your child's exposure to blue light from digital devices is to get them blue light-blocking glasses. Using them for at least three hours before bedtime should enhance your child's melatonin production and sleep efficiency. Numerous health advantages can result from better sleep quality, including:

• Child emotional and behavioral regulation
• Parent-child bonding
• Language development
• Literacy

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST BLUE LIGHT GLASS FOR YOUR KID

There are a few things we recommend while buying blue-light-filtering glasses for children:

• The company claims - Blue-light-filtering glasses do reduce a little amount of blue light, which may help children sleep better at night, particularly if they use their gadgets close to bedtime. However, companies that promise that their goods can completely remove digital eye strain should be discouraged. Only good practices can help with that.
• Durability - Examine the materials used to make the glasses to evaluate if they can withstand any wear and tear that your kid may put them to.
• Refunds and return procedures - Glasses, especially children's glasses, break. Before you buy, check the retailer's return and exchange procedures and verify to see whether the glasses are covered by a guarantee from the manufacturer.

MANAGING SCREEN TIME & EYE CARE TECHNIQUES

Managing children's screen time is one of the biggest issues parents have in today's digital age. There is relatively little scientific research to help parents decide what constitutes a "healthy" screen usage. Additionally, education is increasingly reliant on digital interactions. Understand that blue light glasses are not your ultimate option for limiting your child's exposure to blue light. Also employ these techniques to ensure that your kid's eyes are healthy and fit:

• Remember the 20-20-20 rule

Take a 20-minute break from the screen. Spend 20 seconds focusing on anything that is at least 20 feet away. To ease any stiffness or discomfort while doing this exercise, get up and extend your neck and back.

• Modify your kids’ workspace

The computer should be set up such that the screen's center is 15 to 20 degrees below eye level. Place the computer screen about 20 inches (at arm's length) away from your kid’s chair or 16 inches away from a tablet or other smaller device. Try enlarging the text on the screen if you notice them struggling to see.

• Apply lubricating eye drops

To lessen dryness, apply lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to your child's eyes throughout the day (consult a doctor about suitable dosages).

• Use glasses rather than contacts

Make sure your kid wears glasses rather than contact lenses when using screens if they require vision correction. Contact lenses may aggravate eye discomfort.

• Make use of anti-glare protection

It is possible to have an anti-reflective coating for computers and prescription glasses. Your digital device's glare can also be reduced by matte displays or screen protectors.

TAKEAWAY

Children's blue-light-blocking eye glasses are becoming popular. It is essential to understand that blue light glasses are a supportive measure, which should be accompanied by healthy screen time practices. However, if your child uses screens before bed, these glasses will filter the blue light, which may make it easier for them to go to sleep. Consult your eye doctor if you have questions about your child's digital eye strain.