Is there evidence that night lights cause vision issues in infants and toddlers?

From the Guidelines

There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that night lights cause vision issues in infants and toddlers, and parents can safely use dim night lights in children's rooms without concern for vision development. While some studies have reported a possible link between nighttime light exposure and myopia (nearsightedness) 1, more recent and comprehensive research has not confirmed this association. In fact, a study found that the use of night lights for children under age 2 years was reported as a strong risk factor for myopia, but other studies that were able to adjust for parental refractive status did not find such an association 1.

Key Considerations

• Normal indoor lighting, including night lights, has not been proven to harm developing vision.
• The natural cycle of light and dark helps regulate a child's circadian rhythm, supporting healthy sleep patterns which are important for overall development.
• If using a night light, it's recommended to opt for one with a warm amber or red glow rather than bright white or blue light, as these warmer colors are less likely to interfere with melatonin production and sleep quality 1.
• Darkness promotes better sleep quality for children, so it's still recommended to use dim, warm-colored night lights rather than bright ones, and to position them away from where the child sleeps directly.

Recommendations for Night Light Use

• Use dim night lights to minimize interference with the child's circadian rhythm.
• Choose night lights with warm amber or red glows to reduce the impact on melatonin production.
• Position night lights away from the child's sleeping area to promote better sleep quality.
• Consider the overall sleep environment and establish a consistent sleep schedule to support healthy sleep patterns.

From the Research

Evidence of Night Lights Causing Vision Issues in Infants and Toddlers

• There is limited direct evidence that night lights cause vision issues in infants and toddlers, but some studies suggest that exposure to artificial light at night may have negative effects on the eyes and overall health 2, 3.
• A study published in 2024 found that myopic children had delayed melatonin circadian timing, lower melatonin output, and sleep disruptions, which may be related to exposure to artificial light at night 4.
• Another study published in 2015 found that exposure to artificial light at night can suppress melatonin secretion, increase sleep onset latency, and increase alertness, which may have negative effects on the eyes and overall health 2.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend that newborns be examined for ocular structural abnormalities, such as cataract, corneal opacity, and ptosis, which are known to result in visual problems 5.
• However, there is no direct evidence that night lights specifically cause vision issues in infants and toddlers, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of artificial light at night on the eyes and overall health of young children.

Potential Mechanisms

• Melatonin plays a critical role in the pathophysiological process, including circadian rhythm, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, and its receptors are found in the eye 6.
• Exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt the circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin secretion, which may have negative effects on the eyes and overall health 2, 4.
• The wavelength of light may also play a role, with shorter wavelengths preferentially disturbing melatonin secretion and causing circadian phase shifts 2.