Impact of Digital Screen Blue Light on Retinal Integrity and Sleep Behavior among Teenagers

Abstract

Background: In recent years, growing apprehension has emerged about the harmful consequences of prolonged exposure to blue light among teenagers, largely due to the escalating use of digital screens. Blue wavelength light emitted from smartphones, tablets, and computers has been implicated in disturbing circadian rhythm regulation and contributing to retinal stress and potential degenerative alterations. As adolescents increasingly rely on digital platforms for education and recreation, it has become essential to evaluate how sustained screen exposure influences ocular integrity and sleep health.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of chronic exposure to blue light from digital screens on retinal structure and sleep behavior in adolescents.

Methods: A prospective observational investigation was conducted at PHQ Teaching Hospital Gilgit from May 2024 to April 2025. A total of 100 participants aged 13–18 years were enrolled. Data regarding daily screen usage patterns and sleep routines were collected through structured questionnaires. Comprehensive ophthalmic assessments were performed, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal imaging, and routine eye examinations to detect early or subtle retinal alterations. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The extent of blue light exposure was estimated based on the duration of daily screen time and the type of electronic devices used.

Results: The findings revealed that 68% of participants reported spending more than eight hours per day on digital screens. Among these high-exposure individuals, 61.8% experienced symptoms consistent with digital eye strain, while 42% demonstrated early retinal thinning on OCT imaging. Moreover, 74% of adolescents in the high-exposure category exhibited poor sleep quality scores on the PSQI, with significant delays in sleep onset and reduced overall sleep duration (p < 0.01). A strong positive correlation was observed between prolonged screen time and sleep disturbances (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). Adolescents with daily screen usage exceeding eight hours were identified as being at greater risk for both retinal changes and compromised sleep quality.

Conclusion: Excessive and sustained exposure to blue light from digital devices has a measurable negative impact on retinal health and sleep patterns among adolescents. These findings emphasize the need for public health awareness initiatives, regulation of screen time, and the adoption of preventive strategies such as blue light filters and scheduled screen breaks to minimize long-term ocular and sleep-related complications.