Daily Habits May Accelerate Vision Loss, Ophthalmologist Warns

Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, NYU Langone professor of ophthalmology, cautions that common lifestyle choices can hasten age‑related eye problems. He notes that ultraviolet light exposure may be pushing cataracts to appear five to ten years earlier than three decades ago, urging the use of sunglasses in bright conditions. Poor lighting during reading can strain the eyes, especially for older adults, and inadequate sleep—particularly in those with sleep apnea—has been linked to higher eye pressure and glaucoma risk. Lazzaro also highlights the role of diet, hydration, and avoiding eye rubbing in maintaining ocular health. He recommends annual eye exams, including scans for skin and eyelid cancers, to catch silent conditions like glaucoma before vision loss occurs.