This post is also available in:
Français (French)
Kids blue light filtering glasses can be an important tool in their daily routine – especially as screen time-related blue light exposure becomes an inevitable part of the way children learn, play, and explore.
From online learning platforms to video games, children and teenagers take in increasing levels of harmful blue light, which is emitted from screens and other artificial light sources, as well as naturally from the sun.
Blue light filtering glasses for kids can have short and long-term benefits for children’s eyes and their overall health. While they aren’t a comprehensive solution to managing the effects of screen time, they certainly can help.
Here, we explore the best kids’ blue light glasses and offer tips and advice on creating a healthy screen-life balance.
Why do my kids need blue light glasses?
Kids’ eyes are more vulnerable
Harmful blue light is emitted from artificial light sources (such as phones, laptops, and TVs) as well as from the sun.
Children’s eyes aren’t as good at filtering out high-energy visible light (also known as HEV light), which means they’re more vulnerable to the effects of UV rays and harmful blue light.
Exposure to harmful blue light can have both short and long-term effects on our eyes.
On a daily basis, it can cause eye fatigue and sleep disruption –HEV blue light exposure has been shown to disrupt our circadian rhythm, which can make it harder to keep up with a healthy sleep routine. Over time, extended exposure can cause retinal cell damage.
Blue light filtering glasses filter out harmful blue light and UV, while allowing beneficial light to pass through. This reduces the long-term implications of blue light while also helping to support a healthier bedtime routine – and any parent knows that good sleep makes a big difference!
Increase in children’s screen time
Children’s hobbies and habits grow and change as quickly as they do, but one trend seems to be constant – the increase in children’s screen time (and therefore, increase in screen time-related harmful blue light exposure).
Studies show that the average child spends several hours in front of a screen every day. In 2017, Statistics Canada found that young children are exposed to an average of 2.5 hours of screen time and teenagers spend at least 4 hours on their phone, computer, tablet, or watching TV each day.
The CDC reports that these numbers are even higher, citing that children between the ages of 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours of their day in front of a screen for entertainment.
How to choose kid’s blue light glasses
Healthy eyes begin with regular eye exams – children should get their eyes checked once a year to help identify vision issues.
From there, you can choose prescription lenses with blue light protection or add clear blue light lenses to kid’s frames without a prescription.
1. Choose durable frames
You don’t need us to tell you that kids put their clothes, shoes, and toys to the test – so look for glasses that can rise to the challenge!
Choose frames made from a durable material (like acetate) in a lightweight fit for comfort and easy wear. All Clearly kid’s frames are designed to be especially durable.
2. Add blue light protection
Choose blue light filtering lenses that will protect children’s eyes from UV and harmful blue light, such as our BlueReflectTM lenses.
3. Look for tough lenses
As well as durable frames, the lenses in your child’s glasses should be able to keep up with their busy routine (and stay as clean as possible throughout the day).
Children’s glasses should be made with a durable lens, like our Durable Air lenses, with a protective coating like C Shield, which offers anti-smudge and water-repellant qualities.
Free Glasses for Kids
For an even more affordable children’s blue light glasses option, you can take part in our Free Glasses for Kids program, which is available at all Clearly retail stores.
Simply bring your child’s valid prescription and health card to your nearest location and choose a free pair of kids’ glasses, with the option to upgrade to lenses with blue light protection.
Kids and screen time: Tips and advice
Screen time doesn’t only affect children’s eyes – it can also have an impact on physical fitness and mental health. The Canadian Paediatric Society reports that kids who spend more time in front of screens tend to have:
- Higher obesity rates
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Lower performance at school
- Lower self-esteem and self-worth
Recommended daily screen limits
The best way to protect children from these outcomes is to adhere to recommended daily screen limits:
- Age 0-2 years: No screen time, except for possible video-chatting with parental support
- Age 2-5 years: Maximum 1 hour per day
- Age 5-18 years: Ideally no more than 2 hours per day
Managing screen time
While screen time is often an inevitable part of our daily lives, there are many things parents can do to implement boundaries and make sure time is spent in a healthy manner:
- Take a break and engage in physical activity every 30-60 minutes
- Avoid screens one hour before bedtime
- Model healthy screen behaviour by reducing your own screen time
- Encourage use of blue light filtering glasses
Screen time can open children up to incredible educational, social, and fun opportunities – and wearing kids blue light glasses allows them to protect their eyes while making the most of their devices. Explore our range of kids’ frames to find the perfect pair of children’s blue light filtering glasses.
