Doctors Warn Phone Use in Dark Damages Eyes, Children Most Vulnerable
Thai health experts from hospitals in Hua Hin and Nakhon Ratchasima warn that using mobile phones in dark rooms exposes eyes to high-energy blue light, causing strain, dry eyes, and potential long-term vision damage. Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable because their eyes are still developing and more sensitive to blue light. Doctors recommend keeping room lights on, taking breaks every 20-30 minutes, maintaining proper posture, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep to protect eye health.
Using phones in the dark is an eye-damaging habit many people don't realize. Experts warn that children and teenagers are the most affected, while offering prevention tips to protect eye health.
Did you know? Staring at phone or computer screens for too long harms your health, and if you like to turn off the lights and sit in a dark room, you're damaging your eyes without realizing it. Today we'll explain the dangers of phone light and the correct practices to follow.
The light component emitted by phones that everyone stares at daily is called blue light. White light can be split into seven colors: violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Blue light falls in the blue-indigo range and carries high energy similar to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Using a phone in the dark definitely harms eye health because the eyes must work hard to focus between the screen's brightness and the surrounding darkness, overworking the eye muscles. Additionally, blue light from screens disrupts retinal nerve cells, causing eye strain. Reduced blinking leads to dry eyes and may cause long-term vision problems.
Children and teens face higher risks than adults because their eyes are still developing and are more sensitive to blue light. Prolonged phone use in the dark affects children's eyes more severely, increasing the risk of eye strain, dry eyes, and potential long-term impacts on visual development.
Harmful effects of phone use in the dark on the eyes: - Risk of eye irritation, dry eyes, and excessive tearing - Eye socket pain and headaches - Blurred vision or rapidly worsening nearsightedness - Increased risk of glaucoma - Optic nerve damage leading to increasingly blurred vision - Potential risk of blindness
Physical effects: Poor posture from bending the neck and lying in unsuitable positions while using the phone.
Five ways to avoid dangers of phone use in the dark and protect your eyes: 1. Get sufficient sleep: 6-8 hours 2. Drink water frequently to keep eyes hydrated; use artificial tears if eyes feel very dry 3. Ensure the room has adequate lighting 4. Avoid lying on your back to use the phone, as the screen won't receive light from ceiling fixtures; even lying on your side can force eyes to strain more than usual 5. Don't stare at the screen for too long; rest your eyes every 20-30 minutes
Sources: San Paolo Hospital Hua Hin, Ratchasima Hospital, Optical Centers.
