CHILDREN who use smart phones and tablets are at risk of potential irreversible eye damage because of blue light emissions from digital devices, according to a leading Sydney optometrist. With the explosion of handheld technology in the past seven years, Dr Jim Kokkinakis of The Eye Practice has witnessed an “enormous” increase in patients complaining of eye strain and dry eyes caused by excessive screen time. While these conditions can be treated and prevented with regular screen breaks and exercises the hazards of accrued exposure to blue light are still relatively unknown.