Helping students and adults protect their eyes from excessive screen time

Learning in a modern classroom often depends less on textbooks and more on technology. While most students are accustomed to virtual learning and often rely on technology to stay connected with teachers and complete assignments, this reliance on digital devices may put students at higher risk¹ of eye issues such as nearsightedness or digital eye strain — especially when combined with screen time at home.

“Outside activities still rank at the top of the list of favorite activities for most kids — but playing on digital devices and watching TV scores highly, too,” said Dr. Premilla Banwait, vice president of clinical programs at UnitedHealthcare. “We want young people and adults to be aware of the blue light that comes with that screen time, what it may mean for their eye health and overall well-being and what they can do about it.”

The sun is the largest source of blue light,² Dr. Banwait said, but TVs, computers and smartphones also emit it — often at close range and for prolonged periods of time even at night. In part due to reduced outdoor time and increased hours in front of digital devices at close range, nearsightedness – or the inability to see far-away objects clearly – affects 42% of Americans³, which has nearly doubled in three decades. Nearsightedness may contribute to serious eye diseases¹ later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts.

Importantly, researchers continue to evaluate the potential health implications² that may come from too much exposure to artificial blue light, including sleep problems and various symptoms that are collectively called digital eye strain. Compared to adults, children may be at higher risk² for these issues, as their still-developing eyes may allow more blue light to reach their retinas.

To help support the eye health of students across the country, UnitedHealthcare Vision recently donated a combined $80,000 to four school districts to help meet the technology needs of students, plus a total of 4,000 screen protectors from Eyesafe® with blue light filtering technology to retrofit existing devices. This technology helps filter out the blue light from these devices, without lowering the visibility of the display.

“Filters are a good option because they can reduce blue light at the source to help protect the user from potential risks,” Dr. Banwait said. “It helps to make every screen-time session a bit safer.”

• Keep computer screens at least 30 inches away from your eyes and consider using larger screens and font sizes whenever possible
• Use night mode, a warmer-looking setting that may appear as a yellow or amber tint
• Consider computer glasses with blue light filtering lenses
• Practice the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away
• Spend time outside to give your eyes time focusing on objects far in the distance

Beyond these measures, remember that a comprehensive eye exam should be part of your child’s health checkups. The American Optometric Association recommends⁴ an exam before first grade and annually, or as recommended, thereafter.

One more thing: With nearsightedness on the rise and up to 50% of the global population at risk of developing the condition by 2050, UnitedHealthcare Vision members in six areas — Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington, D.C. — also now have access to a complementary comprehensive myopia assessment and access to value-added discounts at participating locations, for new pediatric patients, as well as online consultations for all members at no additional cost nationwide, through our partnership with Treehouse Eyes.