In today’s tech-savvy world, children are introduced to gadgets almost from birth. While digital media can enhance learning, the blue light emitted from these devices can seriously impact a child’s vision.
Despite knowing that excessive screen time isn’t ideal, many parents, due to busy schedules or to keep their children entertained, often rely on these devices as digital babysitters. Let’s explore a recent animal study to understand the potential effects of prolonged blue light exposure on children’s eyes and why it’s crucial to moderate their screen time.
A collaborative study between a domestic team and Japan’s National Defense Medical College conducted the first animal experiment of its kind. Seven-week-old mice were exposed to blue light, simulating a phone screen, for 12 hours a day over a week (equivalent to two years in human age). The results were alarming, with 80 percent of the mice developing retinal or macular damage, leading to deteriorating vision.
Excessive blue light exposure in children can lead to retinal damage
Translating these findings to human terms, an 8-year-old child exposed to excessive blue light could experience retinal damage and potential blindness within two years. Professor Hong Qi-ting from Fooyin University Hospital’s ophthalmology department warns that blue light can damage the retina and other organs, as some mice showed pre-cancerous changes in their kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Doctors advise limiting continuous screen use to under two hours, with a five-minute break every 30 minutes. Maintain a half-meter distance from the screen and avoid using devices in dim lighting or under intense sunlight. If you’re an office worker experiencing eye strain, try these “eye exercises” when your eyes feel tired:
- When outdoors, focus on distant objects rather than your feet or directly ahead.
- If your eyes feel highly fatigued, use warm water to wash or apply a warm compress.
- Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and beneficial for eye health, so consider drinking a glass of carrot juice daily.
If you experience stinging eye pain at night, it’s best to consult a doctor. While animal studies can’t fully replicate human conditions, this research highlights the harmful effects of blue light. Parents should monitor their children’s screen time to safeguard their eye health.
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