Survey shows awareness of blue light remains low

Results of a survey conducted by VSP Vision showed that the majority of parents are not aware of the impact of blue light from digital devices on vision.

VSP Vision surveyed more than 1,000 parents on their digital device usage and awareness of blue light, according to a VSP press release.

The parents reported that they spent about 61 hours per week looking at screens. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed reported that they felt their family spends too much time on digital devices. Specifically, 44% felt that their children were addicted to digital devices.

Fifty-eight percent of the parents surveyed were slightly or not at all aware of blue light in correlation to digital devices or its potential impact on vision, but 10% reported that they had taken steps to reduce their family’s blue light exposure.

Additional findings from the survey showed that 49% percent of the parents currently mandate or used to mandate limitations on children’s daily device usage but also said those rules are not enforced. Sixty-three percent said they think it is important to unplug from technology. However, only 13% ranked their family’s vision as their leading concern regarding digital device usage.

“Whether we’re at home, in a classroom, or at the office, our eyes are exposed to more and more blue light in today’s device-driven world,” Gary Morgan, OD, VSP optometrist, said in the release. “Technology continues to change the way we live and allows us to be more efficient and connected, but even with its benefits, we must be mindful of the impact of increased blue light exposure on our eyes. While medical research continues to study the possible long-term health impacts of blue light, both parents and their children can take practical steps now to reduce their exposure, ease digital eye strain and maintain good vision.”