Blue Light Exposure from Screens: Is There a Risk for Babies’ Eyes?

In recent years, screens — smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions — have become almost unavoidable in family life. However, when it comes to babies’ eye health, it is natural for parents to ask: can exposure to blue light from these devices pose risks?

Babies’ vision and blue light

A newborn’s eyes are still in full development. The ocular structures, including the lens and retina, are more sensitive than those of an adult. This means that blue light, which is emitted in high amounts from digital screens, can penetrate more easily and cause discomfort such as eye irritation and difficulty sleeping, since blue light interferes with the body’s natural sleep cycle.

Although there is no conclusive evidence that early exposure directly causes severe eye diseases in infants, experts warn that screen time should be avoided during the first years of life. Beyond the visual impact, excessive exposure to screens can harm cognitive, motor, and social development when real-world interaction and play are replaced by digital devices.

Key points for parents

• Avoid screens in the first two years of life: the World Health Organization recommends that children under two years old should not be exposed to digital screens.

• Create screen-free routines: prioritize interactive play, reading, and direct contact with the real environment.

• Watch for signs of discomfort: red eyes, tearing, or difficulty maintaining focus may indicate visual strain.

• Provide proper lighting: if screen use is unavoidable, ensure the environment is well-lit to reduce eye fatigue.

  
  

The importance of eye exams from birth

More than avoiding blue light, protecting babies’ vision should begin in the very first days of life. Eye examinations are essential for detecting conditions early on that could compromise healthy visual development.

One of the most advanced options is the Advanced Newborn Eye Screening, an enhanced version of the traditional red reflex test. Using high-precision imaging technology, this screening allows for the detection of serious eye diseases such as congenital cataracts, childhood glaucoma, and retinoblastoma — conditions that often show no obvious signs to parents.

Conducting this exam shortly after birth provides reassurance to families and significantly increases the chances of effective treatment if any abnormalities are detected.

The effects of blue light exposure in infants are still being studied, but recommendations are clear: babies should not be exposed to digital screens early in life. The most important step is to ensure healthy visual development, which includes regular ophthalmological check-ups and examinations such as the Advanced Newborn Eye Screening.

At Pr3vent, our mission is to support families on this journey by offering technology and knowledge to protect what is most precious: children’s vision.