Should You Offer Blue Light Protection for Kids’ Glasses?

More kids than ever are wearing glasses—and more of them are also spending long hours on screens. Parents are asking questions about eye protection, and one of the most common is this: “Should I get blue light protection for my child’s lenses?”

At TKR Optics, we hear this often from our partner optometrists. So here’s a practical, honest guide to whether blue light protection is useful for kids—and how you can confidently recommend it without overselling.

What’s the Concern With Blue Light?

Blue light from screens (in the 420–455nm range) has been linked to:

• Digital eye strain

• Disruption of sleep patterns

• Possible long-term effects on the retina (though still inconclusive)

Children are especially vulnerable because:

• Their lenses are more transparent, letting in more light

• They often use screens at closer distances than adults

• They may use screens for 6+ hours/day, especially for online school or games

While research is still ongoing, the growing consensus is that excess screen time affects comfort and sleep—two areas that blue light lenses may help with.

What Blue Light Lenses Actually Do

Blue Shield lenses from TKR Optics’ Rising Sun lens range—don’t block all blue light. Instead, they selectively filter the most intense, short-wavelength light that contributes to strain and glare.

For kids, that can mean:

• Less squinting or blinking after long screen sessions

• Fewer headaches or eye rubs

• Better sleep when screens are used in the evening

What Age Is It Suitable For?

You can recommend blue light filtering lenses to kids as young as 4 or 5, especially if:

• They already wear glasses

• They use tablets or screens daily

• They’ve started complaining about tired eyes, blurry vision, or poor sleep

This is also a good choice for school-aged children, especially now that digital learning is more common.

How to Talk to Parents About It

Parents want to protect their kids—but they don’t always want to be sold something they don’t need. Here’s a low-pressure way to explain blue light lenses:

“These lenses help cut down the harsh light from screens. It’s not required, but if your child uses a tablet or computer daily, it can help with comfort—especially at the end of the day.”

This frames the lens as a helpful upgrade, not a necessity—and parents appreciate that honesty.

TKR Optics Recommendations for Kids’ Lenses

We recommend these Rising Sun options for pediatric patients:

• 1.56 Blue Shield – good all-around lens for active kids

• 1.56 Blue photochromic lenses – added UV and high-energy light filtering

• High Index Blue Shield lenses – for kids with higher correction needs

All are available in common powers and easy to stock, so you can offer fast turnaround without needing to surface custom lenses.

Final Thought

Blue light protection isn’t just for adults. For kids who spend long hours on devices—and that's most of them now—it’s a smart, affordable upgrade. It’s not about hype—it’s about comfort, protection, and building healthy vision habits early.

Stocking the right Blue Shield lenses from TKR Optics gives you confidence that you’re recommending something both useful and grounded in everyday eye care.