My little eye: Chris Hammond at TEDxKingsCollegeLondon

Chris Hammond is a Professor of Ophthalmology and a key member of the TwinsUK team. His research is focused on the genetics of common age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related cataract and myopia. He has shown that 77% of the variation in the need to wear glasses is due to genetic factors and he's leading international efforts to identify genes causing short sight. Chris has over 70 publications including four book chapters and research articles in prestigious journals such as Nature and Nature Genetics. Current projects in Chris's research group include investigations into rare variants of myopia and glaucoma, a diet and cataract study and a project on the cognitive, behavioural, environmental and genetic associations of myopia in young twins. Chris is also a practising ophthalmologist with a special interest in squint treatment and paediatric ophthalmology. Chris Hammond tells us how our eyes develop and have the potential to be used as a tool to predict the risk of a number of diseases such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer's disease. He also suggests that to avoid near-sightedness (myopia) we should spend more time outdoors as children, although on average people who are myopic are more intelligent than those with perfect vision! Maybe we should be proud of our impaired vision after all! About TEDx In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)