Prolonged use of blue light filtering products can damage the eyes.
In today's society, people's lives are inseparable from various screens, and the phenomenon of young children using electronic products is becoming increasingly common. This worries many parents, who fear that the blue light emitted from screens will damage their children's retinal cells and increase the likelihood of myopia. However, ophthalmologists point out that childhood myopia is not caused by a single factor, and parents do not need to deliberately choose products that filter blue light; otherwise, what should be a protective measure may actually harm the eyes.
Orbis volunteer ophthalmologist Dr. Ng Lap-kei mentioned that, influenced by Hong Kong's education system, parents generally place great emphasis on their children's homework and exam scores. This forces schoolchildren to frequently interact with books and electronic devices, resulting in severely insufficient outdoor activity time, thus greatly increasing the risk of myopia. Furthermore, myopia may also be related to genetic factors. He stated that although scientists have not yet discovered a so-called "myopia gene," related research indicates that if one parent has high myopia (600 degrees or more), the child's likelihood of developing myopia is higher; if both parents have high myopia, the child's likelihood is even higher.Risk of myopiaTheir scores would be ten times higher or even more than the average person.
During a child's growth and development, their nearsightedness may gradually increase, and there is currently no cure for nearsightedness. However, Dr. Wu Li-chi suggests using optical defocus lenses, contact lenses, or eye drops to slow the progression of nearsightedness. Low-concentration atropine eye drops are the most effective. Clinical data shows that they can slow the rate of nearsightedness progression by an average of 50%, and can be discontinued once vision stabilizes. Dr. Wu also mentioned that low-concentration atropine eye drops are widely used in Hong Kong, and patients who need them can consult a private ophthalmologist.
The higher the degree of myopia, the longer the eyeball becomes, and the thinner the retina and other eye tissues become due to the elongation. These children are more prone to serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma later in life compared to those with normal vision. Wu Liqi particularly emphasized that even with laser vision correction surgery...restored visionThe structure of the retina cannot be changed, and the risk of complications from high myopia remains.
Wu Liqi points out that at least 40 minutes of outdoor exercise daily can effectively prevent myopia. Studies have found that outdoor exercise can stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in children's bodies, thereby reducing the occurrence and progression of myopia. He also suggests that when children are looking at things up close, the ambient lighting should be suitable, and they should maintain an appropriate distance, while blinking frequently. Additionally, every 20 minutes, their eyes should rest for 20 seconds by looking at something 20 feet away; this helps relax the eyes and slows the progression of myopia.
In recent years, many parents have purchased blue light filtering products and sunglasses for their children. Wu Liqi stated that from a medical perspective, there is no evidence to prove that blue light filtering products have eye-protecting effects, and excessive use of such products may disrupt the body's biological clock. However, when engaging in outdoor activities, sunglasses labeled "UV400" or "UV100%" should be worn to block ultraviolet rays.
Wu Liqi suggests that parents take their children for a comprehensive checkup before the age of four.Eye examinationRegular check-ups are necessary, and it's crucial to ensure children have a balanced diet and sufficient rest. Orbis, the international organization for the prevention of blindness, has launched the "Little Eye Care Agents" program in kindergartens throughout Hong Kong, actively advocating that students wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays during outdoor activities to protect their eyesight.
