A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF BLUE LIGHT ON ACCOMMODATION AND EYE STRAIN IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Abstract

This comparative cross-sectional study investigated the impact of blue light exposure on accommodation and eye strain among children and adults in ophthalmic settings in DG Khan, Pakistan. A total of 150 participants (75 children, 75 adults) were assessed using structured questionnaires and clinical evaluations. Findings revealed that children experienced significantly higher prevalence of accommodative complaints, including blurred near vision (69.3%), difficulty refocusing (64.0%), and eye fatigue (74.7%), compared to adults. Sleep disturbances following screen use were also more frequent in children (80.0%) than adults (68.0%), underscoring the influence of blue light on circadian rhythm regulation. Although blue light protective measures were used by only 25.3% of participants, their effectiveness was limited, with most reporting mild or no improvement. The study concludes that children are more vulnerable to accommodative stress and digital eye strain due to anatomical and behavioral factors, highlighting the need for behavioral interventions such as regulated screen time, visual hygiene practices, and reduced evening exposure. Future research should employ larger, diverse samples and objective accommodative assessments to strengthen evidence for preventive strategies.