Do poor nutrition and display screens affect visual acuity in children?

Abstract

Two studies conducted in Scotland have shown an increase in visual acuity (VA) screening failure among primary school-aged children in recent years. Two other trends were observed during the same period - an increase in children bringing packed lunches to school, and increased access to display screen equipment (DSE) including television, computers and hand-held computer games. This study set out to assess if either DSE use of poor diet could be linked with visual acuity screening failure in Scottish primary school children. Information was collected on diet and DSE use from 1384 children who had received VA screening in eight primary schools in Glasgow. After controlling for deprivation, DSE use other than watching television was associated with an increased risk of VA screening failure, as was a 'poor' diet. If these findings are confirmed by other studies and a causal link can be made, then health education at school could be designed to prevent VA screening failure.