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| Could glasses soon be history? | Could glasses soon be history? |
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| By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine | By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine |
| Scientists have identified a gene that causes short-sightedness, a discovery which paves the way for treatment to prevent one of the world's most common eye disorders. So could this mean the end of spectacles? | Scientists have identified a gene that causes short-sightedness, a discovery which paves the way for treatment to prevent one of the world's most common eye disorders. So could this mean the end of spectacles? |
| A pair of glasses used to come with its own brand of humiliation in the classroom. | A pair of glasses used to come with its own brand of humiliation in the classroom. |
| "Four-eyes", "Specky-git" and "Goggles" were some of the names that rang out in the playground and scarred many a childhood. | "Four-eyes", "Specky-git" and "Goggles" were some of the names that rang out in the playground and scarred many a childhood. |
| Short-sightedness, or myopia, which makes distant objects appear blurred, often begins in childhood, and it appears to be growing in the UK - now affecting about one in three British adults. But a scientific breakthrough announced this week could start to reduce that number within a decade. | Short-sightedness, or myopia, which makes distant objects appear blurred, often begins in childhood, and it appears to be growing in the UK - now affecting about one in three British adults. But a scientific breakthrough announced this week could start to reduce that number within a decade. |
| Scientists based in London have identified a gene that causes myopia and are confident that drugs could be developed to halt the distorted growth of the eye that brings about the condition. In about 10 years, shortsightedness could be cured through eye drops, says Dr Chris Hammond, who led the research at King's College London. | Scientists based in London have identified a gene that causes myopia and are confident that drugs could be developed to halt the distorted growth of the eye that brings about the condition. In about 10 years, shortsightedness could be cured through eye drops, says Dr Chris Hammond, who led the research at King's College London. |
| "We've known for many years that the most important risk factor to short-sightedness as you get older is family history," he says. | "We've known for many years that the most important risk factor to short-sightedness as you get older is family history," he says. |
| "If one parent is shortsighted then you have a significantly increased risk of being shortsighted, and if you have two shortsighted parents, then you have an even greater risk. But until now, we hadn't identified any genes responsible for that susceptibility." | "If one parent is shortsighted then you have a significantly increased risk of being shortsighted, and if you have two shortsighted parents, then you have an even greater risk. But until now, we hadn't identified any genes responsible for that susceptibility." |
| In a 12-year study which looked at 4,000 twins, the researchers at KCL's Department of Twin Research identified the RASGRF1 gene as one which had variations shared by people with myopia. A separate study in the Netherlands has found a second gene which also governs short sight, and Dr Hammond believes multiple genes are probably responsible. | In a 12-year study which looked at 4,000 twins, the researchers at KCL's Department of Twin Research identified the RASGRF1 gene as one which had variations shared by people with myopia. A separate study in the Netherlands has found a second gene which also governs short sight, and Dr Hammond believes multiple genes are probably responsible. |
| "It's like being dealt a hand of cards and having lots of high cards which decide you will be shortsighted, or low cards which mean not at all, or cards from the middle which mean you may or may not be. | "It's like being dealt a hand of cards and having lots of high cards which decide you will be shortsighted, or low cards which mean not at all, or cards from the middle which mean you may or may not be. |
| "So it's not THE myopic gene we've found but it's certainly an important step on the path to understanding how the eye does become shortsighted." | "So it's not THE myopic gene we've found but it's certainly an important step on the path to understanding how the eye does become shortsighted." |
| Short sight comes about because the eye ball grows too big and fails to focus light properly. Most children are born long sighted (they can see distant objects but not ones that close by) but the eye continues to grow until it reaches the correct size. In children or young adults that develop short sight, the eye ball keeps growing. | Short sight comes about because the eye ball grows too big and fails to focus light properly. Most children are born long sighted (they can see distant objects but not ones that close by) but the eye continues to grow until it reaches the correct size. In children or young adults that develop short sight, the eye ball keeps growing. |
| Dr Hammond believes eye drops or tablets given to children or adolescents could block the genetic pathways sending these signals to keep growing, although there would need to be rigorous testing to explore possible side effects. | Dr Hammond believes eye drops or tablets given to children or adolescents could block the genetic pathways sending these signals to keep growing, although there would need to be rigorous testing to explore possible side effects. |
| The thought of a spectacles-free future is fascinating, and would benefit some societies even more than others. While myopia is genetically determined, it is far more likely to be triggered by modern lifestyles, says Dr Hammond. | The thought of a spectacles-free future is fascinating, and would benefit some societies even more than others. While myopia is genetically determined, it is far more likely to be triggered by modern lifestyles, says Dr Hammond. |
| He believes it is more common in the UK than it was because of the time spent indoors or looking at computer screens. | He believes it is more common in the UK than it was because of the time spent indoors or looking at computer screens. |
| "Lack of outdoor activity is a risk, as well as lots of close work and being in an urbanised society. So there are general susceptibilities but a number of environmental triggers. So if we had always been outside, looking into the distance, then very few of us would be short-sighted but we live in a more myopic environment these days. | "Lack of outdoor activity is a risk, as well as lots of close work and being in an urbanised society. So there are general susceptibilities but a number of environmental triggers. So if we had always been outside, looking into the distance, then very few of us would be short-sighted but we live in a more myopic environment these days. |
| "We know that, for example, it's linked to the number of years of education and an urban, educated society breeds shortsightedness, which has reached epidemic proportions in the Far East." | "We know that, for example, it's linked to the number of years of education and an urban, educated society breeds shortsightedness, which has reached epidemic proportions in the Far East." |
| In Singapore, 80% of adults have myopia, he says, which could be down to the intensive education system. | In Singapore, 80% of adults have myopia, he says, which could be down to the intensive education system. |
| Successful treatment could override these triggers by tackling the genetic susceptibility but it would never completely do away with the need for glasses, he says. | Successful treatment could override these triggers by tackling the genetic susceptibility but it would never completely do away with the need for glasses, he says. |
| "I think that certainly the number of people needing glasses could be significantly reduced, yes. But I think there will be some people that have rarer genes that have a big effect and they will still be shortsighted. | "I think that certainly the number of people needing glasses could be significantly reduced, yes. But I think there will be some people that have rarer genes that have a big effect and they will still be shortsighted. |
| "So to say we will eliminate glasses may be overstating it. We're never going to stop myopia in everyone, but we hope to have some impact on the majority." | "So to say we will eliminate glasses may be overstating it. We're never going to stop myopia in everyone, but we hope to have some impact on the majority." |
| For many years, people with short sight have had alternatives to glasses, which are impractical for some situations like sport. More than 3 million people in the UK wear contact lenses and a growing number are opting for laser corrective surgery. | For many years, people with short sight have had alternatives to glasses, which are impractical for some situations like sport. More than 3 million people in the UK wear contact lenses and a growing number are opting for laser corrective surgery. |
| Cooler specs | Cooler specs |
| But glasses will always be around, says Karen Sparrow, education adviser at the Association of Optometrists. | But glasses will always be around, says Karen Sparrow, education adviser at the Association of Optometrists. |
| "Even if you halted myopia, you wouldn't be able to halt the progression of presbyopia [long-sightedness - an inability to focus on near objects], and the fact that people always need reading glasses later in life. Even laser surgery can't correct that. | "Even if you halted myopia, you wouldn't be able to halt the progression of presbyopia [long-sightedness - an inability to focus on near objects], and the fact that people always need reading glasses later in life. Even laser surgery can't correct that. |
| "I would doubt whether the usage of glasses is falling because even people who wear contact lenses are not wearing them 24 hours a day. Some find lenses give them dry eyes or they simply can't touch their eyes. And laser surgery is a cosmetic procedure and irreversible, so you have to go into it knowing the limitations." | "I would doubt whether the usage of glasses is falling because even people who wear contact lenses are not wearing them 24 hours a day. Some find lenses give them dry eyes or they simply can't touch their eyes. And laser surgery is a cosmetic procedure and irreversible, so you have to go into it knowing the limitations." |
| Ms Sparrow believes spectacle-wearers may not be as desperate to ditch their glasses as is assumed. | Ms Sparrow believes spectacle-wearers may not be as desperate to ditch their glasses as is assumed. |
| Glasses have undergone a change in image in the past 15 years, she says, thanks to the wider choice available and the number of spectacle-wearing celebrities. At the weekend, David Beckham's appearance in Los Angeles wearing glasses was widely covered in the press. | Glasses have undergone a change in image in the past 15 years, she says, thanks to the wider choice available and the number of spectacle-wearing celebrities. At the weekend, David Beckham's appearance in Los Angeles wearing glasses was widely covered in the press. |
| "They became more cool and more acceptable. Because of the different designs, you're no longer the kid in the corner with the pink or blue NHS glasses. You're the kid in the corner with the latest Bratz specs." | "They became more cool and more acceptable. Because of the different designs, you're no longer the kid in the corner with the pink or blue NHS glasses. You're the kid in the corner with the latest Bratz specs." |
| If the gene correction treatment is successful and safe, she says, then some people would be attracted to it, but the popularity of glasses tells its own story about their convenience, with two-thirds of British adults wearing them. | If the gene correction treatment is successful and safe, she says, then some people would be attracted to it, but the popularity of glasses tells its own story about their convenience, with two-thirds of British adults wearing them. |
| "Glasses will always be around because I can't see everybody opting for new technology. There will always be those more comfortable with what they are used to." | "Glasses will always be around because I can't see everybody opting for new technology. There will always be those more comfortable with what they are used to." |
| They are not just functional either, they also make a statement, says Catherine Hayward, fashion director at Esquire magazine. | They are not just functional either, they also make a statement, says Catherine Hayward, fashion director at Esquire magazine. |
| "In the 70s when my sister had to wear glasses at 10 or 11, we were all devastated. She was crying. 'Oh no, being subject to wearing glasses for the rest of your life.' Those ugly National Health ones. The only one in the class wearing them. But now people want to wear them, even if they don't need to. | "In the 70s when my sister had to wear glasses at 10 or 11, we were all devastated. She was crying. 'Oh no, being subject to wearing glasses for the rest of your life.' Those ugly National Health ones. The only one in the class wearing them. But now people want to wear them, even if they don't need to. |
| "A cool pair can make a man look quite handsome, cerebral, a bit of a thinker. But I don't think it's as sexy on a woman because it can hide the make-up and make them look older." | "A cool pair can make a man look quite handsome, cerebral, a bit of a thinker. But I don't think it's as sexy on a woman because it can hide the make-up and make them look older." |
| In fashion terms, she says, a pair of glasses is ubiquitous, like a pair of shoes or a belt, so will always be in demand. | In fashion terms, she says, a pair of glasses is ubiquitous, like a pair of shoes or a belt, so will always be in demand. |
| Here is a selection of your comments | |
| Disagree completely with the statement that glasses aren't "sexy on a woman". I find women in glasses always turn my head and am very glad that my wife-to-be says she has no intention on having any surgery to "fix" her eyes. | Disagree completely with the statement that glasses aren't "sexy on a woman". I find women in glasses always turn my head and am very glad that my wife-to-be says she has no intention on having any surgery to "fix" her eyes. |
| Bob, London | Bob, London |
| I first got glasses aged 10 - I can still remember coming out of the opticians and being amazed that I could see the other side of the street clearly for the first time in years! I remember the hated NHS specs (mine were brown - lovely!) but soon moved on to "normal" metal ones and then contact lenses in my teens. I've recently had laser surgery, and for the first time in around 30 years I can see clearly without correction. | I first got glasses aged 10 - I can still remember coming out of the opticians and being amazed that I could see the other side of the street clearly for the first time in years! I remember the hated NHS specs (mine were brown - lovely!) but soon moved on to "normal" metal ones and then contact lenses in my teens. I've recently had laser surgery, and for the first time in around 30 years I can see clearly without correction. |
| Keith Legg, Fife | Keith Legg, Fife |
| I started wearing the national Health little wiry round ones when I was about 4 then eventually moved on up to a more stylish thin metal frame ones which didn't go well with the very thick lenses I had. At about 17, I bought my first pair of contact lenses, and wore lenses for over 30 years. I had felt awful as a teenager being stuck behind the very thick lenses and it did nothing for my confidence or self-esteem. Then I was "advised" by a certain high street optician to take time out of wearing lenses all day long. I bought a very stylish pair of glasses which I feel good about wearing but I am also starting to wear contact lenses again at times. Children nowadays have much better styles to choose from, with lenses being much thinner - hopefully they will feel better about wearing what is for many of them, an essential part of their personality. | I started wearing the national Health little wiry round ones when I was about 4 then eventually moved on up to a more stylish thin metal frame ones which didn't go well with the very thick lenses I had. At about 17, I bought my first pair of contact lenses, and wore lenses for over 30 years. I had felt awful as a teenager being stuck behind the very thick lenses and it did nothing for my confidence or self-esteem. Then I was "advised" by a certain high street optician to take time out of wearing lenses all day long. I bought a very stylish pair of glasses which I feel good about wearing but I am also starting to wear contact lenses again at times. Children nowadays have much better styles to choose from, with lenses being much thinner - hopefully they will feel better about wearing what is for many of them, an essential part of their personality. |
| D McLaughlin, Glasgow | D McLaughlin, Glasgow |
| "Lack of outdoor activity is a risk, as well as lots of close work and being in an urbanised society". So the doctor who made my childhood reading an illicit under-the-blankets affair by telling my mum to discourage me because it was bad for my eyes could in fact have been right after all? | "Lack of outdoor activity is a risk, as well as lots of close work and being in an urbanised society". So the doctor who made my childhood reading an illicit under-the-blankets affair by telling my mum to discourage me because it was bad for my eyes could in fact have been right after all? |
| Brenda, Richmond | Brenda, Richmond |
| I am shortsighted and my eye sight is really bad. I think if there is a cure for short sightedness why not. I hate wearing my glasses and much prefer to wear contacts because I feel ugly in my glasses and I don't think glasses suit me because I have a round face, plus with contacts you don't have the pressure of something resting on your face. However my boyfriend wears glasses and I think they make him look very sexy but that's probably because he has an angular face. | I am shortsighted and my eye sight is really bad. I think if there is a cure for short sightedness why not. I hate wearing my glasses and much prefer to wear contacts because I feel ugly in my glasses and I don't think glasses suit me because I have a round face, plus with contacts you don't have the pressure of something resting on your face. However my boyfriend wears glasses and I think they make him look very sexy but that's probably because he has an angular face. |
| Rose, Stafford | Rose, Stafford |
| Other research suggests exposure to sunlight also plays a role in myopia. "Exposure to sunlight could be a critical factor in stopping children from becoming short-sighted, Australian researchers have found." Dr. Ian Morgan of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science (The Vision Centre) says 90% of conscription-aged males in Singapore are now myopic. This compares with figures from the 1960s to the 70s when only 20-30% of 17-year-old males had myopia. | Other research suggests exposure to sunlight also plays a role in myopia. "Exposure to sunlight could be a critical factor in stopping children from becoming short-sighted, Australian researchers have found." Dr. Ian Morgan of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science (The Vision Centre) says 90% of conscription-aged males in Singapore are now myopic. This compares with figures from the 1960s to the 70s when only 20-30% of 17-year-old males had myopia. |
| David Kelly, Ohio | David Kelly, Ohio |