As people in the U.S. are living longer, there’s a growing concern among experts about how everyday habits could be impacting eye health sooner than we think.
Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, an ophthalmology professor at NYU Langone Health, has raised alarms that several common practices might be quietly harming our vision.
Age-related eye issues, such as glaucoma—which harms the optic nerve—and cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye and can blur vision, are increasing in frequency.
Genetics and aging certainly play major roles in these conditions, but, according to Lazzaro, avoiding a few common pitfalls could help preserve vision and slow down the progression of eye diseases.
No. 1: Skipping Sun Protection for Your Eyes
While sunlight can be beneficial for overall health, neglecting to shield your eyes from UV rays may lead to quicker damage. Lazzaro points to studies indicating that prolonged exposure to UV light may contribute to problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. He’s noticed in his own practice that cataracts are developing five to ten years earlier than they did a few decades back, possibly due to increased sunlight exposure.
His advice? Always wear sunglasses on bright days to protect not just your eyes, but also the lens and retina.
No. 2: Reading in Dim Light
Reading in inadequate light can exacerbate eye strain, particularly as we age. Lazzaro mentions that older individuals often struggle with adjusting to lower light conditions. “If you’re reading and it’s not bright outside or inside, just turn up the lights,” he suggests.
No. 3: Neglecting a Healthy Diet
A good diet might play a crucial role in maintaining eye health by lowering the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular issues that can affect vision. Lazzaro emphasizes that a poor diet can lead to poor cardiovascular health, which similarly affects the eyes. High cholesterol and blood pressure can worsen diabetic eye disease, sometimes without people even realizing it. Researchers are also investigating whether gut health has any bearing on retinal health.
No. 4: Not Staying Hydrated
As we get older, dry eyes become more common, often due to insufficient tear production. Dehydration can worsen this condition, according to Lazzaro. Staying hydrated helps keep the cornea moist, which is essential, especially during hot weather.
No. 5: Poor Sleep Quality
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health. There’s substantial evidence showing that inadequate sleep, including those with sleep apnea, may lead to increased eye pressure. Lazzaro notes a connection between sleep apnea and higher instances of glaucoma and certain vascular eye conditions. “People who don’t sleep well often experience circulatory fluctuations at night,” he adds.
No. 6: Rubbing Your Eyes
Eye rubbing can pose risks for keratoconus, an eye disease where the cornea changes shape. While experts disagree on whether it directly causes the disease, Lazzaro strongly advises against this habit, especially since frequent rubbing can alter the cornea’s shape.
No. 7: Postponing Eye Doctor Visits
Glaucoma often presents without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams vital for early detection. Lazzaro warns that the disease, known as “the silent thief of sight,” can lead to blindness. Many people discover they have glaucoma only after visiting an ophthalmologist.
He suggests that adults should get annual eye exams even before they experience age-related vision problems. Many will start visiting the doctor in their 40s or 50s, noting they can suddenly no longer see things up close.
Regular check-ups should also include screenings for skin cancer and eyelid tumors, which are more common as we age. Sun exposure can cause not just cataracts but also eyelid cancers, although early diagnosis usually allows for simple removal.
