With the return to school and the need for HCPS and many other school districts around the country to remain online until further notice, an awareness of blue light affecting children’s eyes has been raised.

     “Blue light is light on the spectrum that is in a variety of places in our daily lives. The most popular source is from the sun emitting ultraviolet as well as blue light,” according to the Cleveland eye clinic. The Cleavland eye clinic also reports, “Digital screens emit blue light, which can have negative consequences on your peepers, including strain, dry or watery eyes and irritated eyes. Blue light is also known to sabotage your sleep schedule.”

      Sophomore Kendall Fortune says, “My parents got them before school started for their work. They said they helped, so once school came around my eyes felt strained.” Junior Emma Mathios adds, “ I was interested in them before but I knew I should order a pair since I was going to be at the computer all day.”

     Blue light is so dangerous because of its short wavelengths and high energy. This is what causes the headaches and eye strain students feel after staring at the computer for a long time. Mathios adds, “They make me feel better so maybe it’s a placebo effect? They can decrease the headaches a little bit but don’t solve it as well as medicine can.”

     Because UV light, blue light, and other colors of light are produced by the sun, you may notice a difference when wearing sunglasses and viewing your computer. Most sunglasses are designed to mainly block UV light but higher quality lenses and tint may have you receiving a reduced amount of blue light according to The Vision Center.

     The skepticism comes in because the FDA has not approved them as a medical tool. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says “…you don’t need them and has gone on record as not recommending any kind of special eyewear for computer users. The organization says blue light from digital devices does not lead to eye disease and doesn’t even cause eyestrain. The problems people complain about are simply caused by overuse of digital devices.”

     The AAO also reports that while some of the glasses being made are protected from blue light, others were simply fake. When tested against minimal blue light rays they were transmitted through.