Too much screen time put this 6-year-old
at risk of going blind
Jenn was preparing for dinner one day when she heard a loud crash: her 6-year-old daughter, Mabel, fell from the stairs. Jenn helped Mabel up and asked what happened, and Mabel responded:
“I can’t see the stairs, mommy, everything is so blurry.”
Feeling concerned, Jenn brought Mabel to see an eye specialist.
Dr. Brant Johnson is a renowned eye specialist in the field for about 15 years. He gave Mabel a thorough eye check, and asked Jenn
“How often does Mabel go on digital devices like smartphones and tablets?”
“She’s on the iPad most of the time, she starts her morning with her favorite cartoon on Youtube. After school, she comes home to her favorite Farmville game until dinner time, and she watches another cartoon before heading to bed,” Jenn replies.
Dr. Johnson was in shock as that is a lot of screen time. And that explains the damaged retina in her eye, now she needs an eye surgery to correct her vision or she might go blind as she grows.
Long screen time and the harmful effects of blue light
Digital devices like smartphones and iPads give off a kind of light called ‘blue light’. Excessive exposure to blue light can affect both adults and children; but children are affected even more, mainly because at the growing phase, their maturing eyes have yet to develop protective pigments that filter harmful blue light, putting them at higher risks of retinal damage when exposed to blue light.
Dr. Johnson continues to explain how screens can damage the eyes and cause health hazards
“Excessive blue light exposure can cause digital eye strain which manifests in dry, tired eyes and can lead to migraines and blurred vision.
“When exposed for a long period of time, it generates poisonous molecules in the eye's light-sensitive cells known as retina. Once the retina is damaged, it will lead to permanent blindness,
and the only way out is through costly eye surgery.”
“Exposure to blue light before bed, like working too late or scrolling through social media, can also impact the ability to fall asleep at night because it suppresses melatonin — a hormone
that helps regulate sleep” – Dr. Brant Johnson
Mother regrets pacifying children with digital devices
Jenn was bummed when she heard the effects the digital devices had on Mabel and the surgery.
“The iPad has been a great tool in raising Mabel, she gets entertained by herself. Then, my husband and I get our quiet time after a long day of work.” – Jenn
Jenn and her husband are not the only parents who does this to get their own peace and quiet. Studies show that 3 in 5 families around the world admit spacifying children with digital devices, including the royal family of Prince William and Princess Kate.
In this digital era, human beings are obsessed with the screens, and they need to be.
Being an experienced eye specialist and a father of two himself, Dr. Johnson understands that it is impossible to avoid digital devices entirely.
Children’s education is closely tied to digital devices. Teachers give schoolwork through digital platforms; students are asked to submit their work online.
Adults too need the digital devices to work in their homes, firing off late night emails or engaging with clients who live in different time zones as themselves.
Plus, we all need these digital devices to keep us connected with our friends and families or keep us updated on the latest trends and the news around the world.
So evidently, there is no way to hide from blue light completely.
“The only way around it is to protect our eyes. That’s why it is important to have the BlueBlokers™ Eyewear”
To prevent more cases like Mabel from happening, Dr. Johnson strongly recommends the BlueBlokers™ Eyewear. Not only is it for children, but it’s also for adults who are obsessed with the screens too.
The BlueBlokers™ Eyewear is a pair of blue-light blocking glasses. Its lenses comprise proprietary technology that filters damaging blue light to provide maximum comfort when you wear it in front of any screens.
Its frame is made of thermoplastic polyester elastomer, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear for long hours. Comes in different sizes and colors, the BlueBlokers™ Eyewear caters for people of all ages and style preferences. This way you can still look stylish and chic while protecting your eyes from the blue-light rays.
The BlueBlokers™ Eyewear is made available for children and adults alike;
everyone needs to be protected against blue light and the harmful effects it brings.
Designed to beat eye strain and retinal damage with style and comfort,
the BlueBlokers™ Eyewear empowers you to work more comfortably on-screen,
so you can live your best and happiest life off-screen.