Blue Light Glasses for Kids: Helpful or Hype?

Author: Hayley Martin

A Gentle Look Into Blue Light and Our Children’s Eyes

In our modern world of tablets, smartboards, and bedtime story apps, screen time has woven itself into childhood. And with it comes a glowing question many parents find themselves asking: Should my child be wearing blue light glasses?

Let’s take a gentle, enchanted walk through the research, the risks, and the wonder-filled world of digital vision. No guilt, no shame. Just knowledge and love, from one caring parent to another. 

We'll never advocate zero screen time, that's impossible in children's lives today.  Rather, we'll provide guidance on how your child can enjoy screentime without sacrificing their vision.

What Is Blue Light Anyway?

Blue light is a high-energy visible (HEV) light naturally emitted by the sun, but it’s also produced by digital screens. Tablets, phones, laptops, TVs, and LED lighting all give off artificial blue light, which enters the eyes and may influence how we sleep, how long we blink (or don’t), and how tired our eyes feel after a screen session.

For children, whose eyes are still developing, prolonged exposure to this kind of light can sometimes contribute to:

• Digital eye strain
• Headaches
• Fatigue or irritability
• Disrupted sleep patterns

That said, it’s important to note that researchers are still exploring just how harmful artificial blue light may be to children over time.

 

What Are Blue Light Glasses for Kids?

Blue light glasses have lenses specially coated to filter or block blue light from screens. They don’t change your child’s prescription (or give them one if they don’t need glasses), they simply act as a gentle shield against screen glare and potential overexposure.

Think of them as fairy-tale armor for her eyes: invisible, protective, and quietly powerful.

 

What Does the Research Say?

Right now, the research is mixed. Some studies suggest that while blue light glasses don’t dramatically improve eye health, they can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep, particularly in children who use screens in the evening.

Other experts encourage parents to limit screen time and guide parents to require more frequent mini breaks (like the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) may be even more effective.

Should My Child Wear Blue Light Glasses?

Here are a few signs your child might benefit from a pair:

• She gets frequent headaches after tablet time
• Her eyes look tired or red at the end of the day
• She complains of blurry vision while on screens
• She has trouble falling asleep after using devices

If any of these signs sound familiar, a pair of blue light filtering glasses could be a gentle addition to your screen-time routine.

Adding a Little Magic to Protection

At Once Upon a Charm, we believe protective eyewear should still feel enchanted. That’s why our frames are designed for girls with sparkle and sweetness in mind, think hand-painted interchangeable charms, delicate sizing, and details that turn something practical into something she’ll actually love wearing.

Blue light glasses don’t have to feel clinical or boring. In our storybook world, they can be just one more accessory in her magical day.

 

What Else Can I Do to Protect My Child’s Vision?

Blue light glasses are one part of a bigger picture. Here are a few other gentle tips:

• Encourage screen breaks every 20 minutes
• Create a nighttime tech-free ritual (at least one hour before bed)
• Ensure proper lighting in screen spaces to reduce glare
• Get yearly vision checks with a pediatric optician or ophthalmologist

Most of all, keep talking to your child. Ask her how her eyes feel. Remind her take breaks. And show her that her well-being matters more than screen time ever could.

Final Thoughts: Seeing the World Through Wonder

We offer the option to add blue light filtering lenses to any of our frames. If your child doesn't wear glasses, we also offer a blue light filter lens without a prescription. This added layer of protection can help reduce digital eye strain while she’s learning, laughing, and exploring online. It’s a simple upgrade we encourage families to consider, especially if screens are part of your child’s daily rhythm.