New Delhi: For babies, whose eyes are still underdeveloped, this is an area of concern. Infants are sensitive to light and excessive artificial light and screens can alter their vision, and sleep, and even impact their cognitive functioning. Tremendous importance needs to be placed on the moderation of screen and artificial light exposure due to its adverse effects, in contrast to natural light encouraging healthy eye growth. Parents can adopt measures to ensure children are raised in an eye-friendly environment. This involves striking the appropriate balance between both types of lighting.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Neeraj Sanduja, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, at Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, spoke about prioritising exposure to natural light for children.
Advantage of Natural Light for Infant Vision
Natural light plays a pivotal role in healthy eye growth for babies. Spending time outdoors in natural light as an infant is said to lower the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in the later stages of life. This also helps to regulate the body’s internal body clock (circadian rhythm), thus improving patterns of sleep. In addition to these benefits, sunlight is significant in the creation of dopamine in the retina, which helps regulate eye growth. If the rate of eye growth is not controlled it can elongate the eyeball, which is a primary issue that leads to myopia. Natural light, unlike artificial light, contains several different wavelengths, making it comfortable for the developing eyes of a baby
Digital Glare Hazards on the Eyes of Babies
Blue-light-emitting screens such as phones, tablets, and computers cause digital glare which is harmful to the user’s vision. Most modern devices emit a high-energy wavelength of light. Short-term or casual exposure may not be harmful but extensive exposure to a glow screen can lead to eye strain and can also lead to Infants suffering from itching dry eyes or interrupting their sleep.
Reliance on screens can lead to fixation towards objects and concentrating the eyes towards close range devices for a long duration can result in developing focusing complications alongside a relative case of Myopia. Development and myopia onset in the early stages of life is concerning as undeveloped eyes lack protective shielding from blue light with filters. Parents should therefore be vigilant regarding the surrounding light in the environment and put restrictions on screen exposure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- No screen time for kids until they are 2 years old (except for video chatting with apps like FaceTime or Skype)
- No more than one hour of screen time for children ages 2 to 5. This allows more time for other activities emphasizing body movement and interactive play that are fundamental to a child’s physical and intellectual development
Elimination of Eye Strain Factors for Babies
- Increase Exposure to Natural Light: Allow your kid to indulge in outdoor play or go on walks during the day to ensure that your baby receives ample natural sunlight. Not only does it aid vision but also uplifts mood and exposes eyes to pleasant surroundings.
- Limit Screen Area for Zoning Purposes: Infant areas such as cradles, and feeding places, should be kept outside screen coverage. Lessening screen visibility in these locations ensures that young children most especially babies are not exposed to digital glare.
- Use Soft, Warm Lighting Indoors: Instead of glare light use soft, warm, or dim lighting as it is more beneficial. Try to avoid unnatural lighting and instead use bulbs that emit less blue light which can lead to a more tranquil indoor environment.
- Set an Example: Parents set a standard for children to follow, so when caregivers minimise their screen exposure, it not only helps the child limit their screen time but also helps in forming healthy habits.
- Prioritise Bedtime Lighting: To facilitate the body in preparing for sleep, it is best to reduce the amount of light an hour before going to sleep while avoiding any screens around the child for around one to two hours before sleeping. This leads to the enhancement of melatonin production for quality sleep.
Conclusion
Striking a balance between the amount of natural light and artificial sources helps create an environment that is welcoming and suitable for children. To prevent needless strain on developing eyes, digital glare should be limited, while sunlight should be allowed to stimulate healthy eye development. Parents have a chance to further contribute to their child’s well-being and eye health by promoting the correct kind of light. By following a few simple steps, parents can help their young ones achieve normal eyesight.
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