Excessive blue light from gadgets damaging to children's vision –PERI

Excessive exposure to blue light from smartphone and tablet screens and the lack of exposure to natural sunlight was damaging the eyesight of children, a Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) physician warned on Maki Pulido's Friday report on "24 Oras."

Children two to 12 years old should be exposed to natural sunlight for two to three hours a day for the normal development of eyesight.

"Kailangan to have proper growth of the eye. Pag hindi ka exposed to outdoor light, nawawala 'yun, kaya humahaba eyeball. When your eyeball is longer, you will have myopia or nearsightedness," explained Philippine Eye Research Institute Director Dr. Leo Cubillan.

The use of  filters on phones and glasses was thus recommended.

"As we age, yung pinaka center ng vision, na da-damage and recently associated din ito sa exposure to blue light," said Cubillan.

Exposure to blue light had also been linked to sleep deprivation in children, which could, in turn, lead to  anxiety and depression. — Angelica Y. Yang/DVM, GMA News