Video: Blue Light Overexposure and Your Kids’ Eyesight

Electronic devices like smart phones, tablets, and computers are such a core part of our lives now that even young children are spending significant time with these gadgets. While this technology has improved our lives in many ways, it also comes with health risks that children are particularly vulnerable to. One common problem you may have heard of is computer vision syndrome (CVS). In today’s post, your trusted children’s eye doctor from Southwest Vision Center discusses the potential effects of CVS on your children’s visual health.

Understanding Blue Light and Computer Vision Syndrome

Many electronic devices emit blue rays. This type of electromagnetic radiation has high energy frequencies, allowing it to penetrate deeply into your eyes. Studies show that overexposure to blue light may result in eye problems. This is an even greater concern for children, whose eyes are still developing.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also referred to as digital eye strain, is the visual discomfort one feels after watching the TV or playing on the computer for an extended time. Red, watery, or tired eyes are common symptoms, which may also be accompanied by headaches, nausea, or vomiting. If your children have any of these symptoms, bring them to your reliable pediatric optometrist.

Maintaining Your Children’s Visual Health

With the constant presence of technology in our lives, it may be difficult to completely prevent your kids from using electronic devices. There are ways, however, to prevent CVS and other related vision problems. Before anything else, we’ll teach your kids the 20-20-20 technique. After 20 minutes of time with an electronic device, rest your eyes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

We will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your children’s visual health. We may also prescribe wearing computer eyewear for added visual protection. If they already have prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, we may suggest upgrading their lenses with blue light-filtering coatings.

If you have any further questions about the effects of too much screen time on your kids’ vision, call us at (269) 241-0031 for Edwardsburg, (269) 241-0032 for Three Rivers, or (269) 241-0033 for Buchanan. We serve Granger, IN, as well as Three Rivers and Buchanan, MI.

Operating Hours

 Edwardsburg

9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm  Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Three Rivers
9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Dowagiac
8:00am – 5:00pm Monday
9:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday