• All children aged 36 to 72 months should be have a vision screening annually (best practice) or at least once (acceptable minimum standard), according to the National Expert Panel to the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health. The panel’s findings appear in the January issue of Optometry & Vision Science. “A best practice for children who fail vision screening includes documentation of the referral to and subsequent comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist,” the panel advises. 

• About 93% of American adults spend more than two hours per day using digital devices—a length of time that is increasing the prevalence of digital eyestrain, says The Vision Council in its “2015 Digital Eye Strain Report.”

Digital eyestrain has grown exponentially with the increase in use of computers, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. The report attributes this trend primarily to factors including screens with small text held too close to the face, a reduced blink rate as a result of staring for prolonged periods and poorly designed workspaces.

Adults with computer-oriented jobs are considered most at risk for digital eyestrain, followed closely by those who use electronic devices for recreational reading. Children are also at risk for digital eyestrain and subsequent problems, with one in four spending more than three hours per day using electronic devices. More than one in five parents reported concern about the impact of digital devices on their children’s eyes, the report found.

Weight Loss Surgery Can Impact Eyes
Weight loss surgery can improve your waistline—but hurt your eyes, according to a recent study published in Obesity Surgery. 

People who have the procedure should take vitamin supplements to avoid ocular complications, investigators advise. 

Bariatric surgery (such as gastric binding or gastric bypass) involves restriction or removal of some of the stomach, which limits the body’s ability to absorb key nutrients, resulting in vitamin deficiencies.¹ 

This recent study specifically shows that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery (especially “malabsorptive” procedures) may lack nutrients essential to ocular health, including vitamins A, E, B₁ (thiamine) and copper.² These nutrients help with the normal functioning of the eye and optic system. 

Vitamin A deficiency, in particular, is linked to eye-related complications developing after bariatric surgery. 

The researchers recommend that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery adopt some form of supplement regimen. 

1. Shankar P, Boylan M, Sriram K. Micronutrient deficiencies after bariatric surgery. Nutrition. 2010 Nov-Dec;26(11-12):1031-7. 
2. Guerreiro RA, Ribeiro R. Ophthalmic complications of bariatric surgery. Obes Surg. 2015 Jan;25(1):167-73.