We're experiencing an increase in refractive errors, which refers to the eye's ability to "bend" light and focus, especially in nearsightedness. It all starts with children who perform hours of close work on their computers and smart phones without taking a break. As these kids age into adulthood, they continue the same practices while trying to fit too many activities into a day. The incidence of myopia (poor long distance vision) has jumped from 25% to 42% in American adults in the last 25 years. The incidence has increased from 0% to 44% in Eskimo children who have become urbanized. 

On top of this we're witnessing the fact that America is aging; within the next 10 years there will be 54 million people 65 and over. With age comes a decreasing focus power (presbyopia) and an increase in ocular conditions such as dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Although there are many new technical innovations for diagnosing and treating eye disease, it is still best to avoid them in the first place.

Good eye health begins with very basic preventive steps: 

• Taking breaks every 30 minutes from the computer and portable devices. A recent study demonstrated that bifocals with prisms reduce the rate of nearsightedness in Asian American children. It's a lot easer, though, just to take those periodic breaks for 30 seconds at 30-minute intervals.
• Sunglasses protect against ultraviolet light that can damage the crystalline lens and the retina. This would reduce the risk for developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Maintaining ideal weight through diet, supplementation and exercise will lessen the chances of developing diabetes.
• Moderating alcohol intake and not smoking eliminate additional toxicity to the eyes.
• Learning to relax through rhythmic breathing, meditation, exercise or socializing also reduces the creation of free radicals.
• Taking appropriate multivitamins and vitamins such as Omega3 fatty acids, vitamin C D &E and Lutein protect the eyes.
• Having regular eye exams, especially if you have symptoms, makes a big difference. Be certain you are wearing the appropriate glasses or contact lenses.

In my new book Lethal Hindsight the hero Lauren Chandler stumbles upon an insidious plot with international consequences by doing eye examinations in Washington, DC. One of the subplots in the book is the fact that nutrition and supplementation will be very protective for the future vision of Americans.