Limiting blue light exposure

HOW often do you let your child watch television and use handphones and tablets in a day? Half a day? Or as long they can be occupied, till you are done with your daily job? In fact, if your children are below five years old, you should limit them to less than an hour a day of screen time, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Blue light is a type of light wave released naturally by the sun and unnaturally by electrical devices such as television, smartphones, tablets and computers. Blue light from the sun helps the body regulate its circadian rhythm, which is its natural 24-hour wake-and-sleep cycle.

Too much exposure to blue light, especially late at night before bedtime, can disturb children’s sleep patterns, leading to sleeping problems and tiredness during the day. This may lead to other potential issues such as lack of focus in school. Until the age of 10, children’s eyes are not fully developed as their crystalline lenses and corneas are still largely transparent and overexposed to light.

How to protect your child from blue light?

As the saying goes, a healthy outside starts from the inside. There are a few foods with nutrients that can help maintain eye function, protect the eyes against harmful light and reduce the development of agerelated degenerative diseases, as listed below. Spinach and kale – These leafy greens are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are widely used to maintain eye health. They are high in antioxidants that may protect the eyes from the damaging effects of sunlight, cigarette smoke and air pollution. Carrots, pumpkin and sweet potato – Deep orange and yellow vegetables and fruits are known for their high betacarotene content, which is converted into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for maintaining your eyes’ photoreceptors. Fish – Salmon, sardines and halibut contain DHA: a type of essential fatty acid found in high amounts in the retina. It helps maintain eye function and its deficiency can impair vision, especially in children. The body cannot produce DHA, so dietary intake of this nutrient is important.

Nature’s Way Kids A+ Blue Light Gummies contains lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin A and is berry-flavoured. One gummy daily for children four years old and above can help protect their eyes from the effects of digital blue light. Nature’s Way Blue Light Gummies is available in all leading pharmacies.

For more information, call 03-7932 2138 or visit www.mynaturesway.com.my