NYU Eye Doctor Warns 7 Habits Speed Vision Damage, Push Cataracts 5-10 Years Earlier
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 5
NYU Eye Doctor Warns 7 Habits Speed Vision Damage, Push Cataracts 5-10 Years Earlier
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 5
Summary
Dr. Douglas Lazzaro said seven common habits—from skipping sunglasses to delaying exams—can quietly worsen vision and speed age-related eye disease as Americans live longer.
Ultraviolet exposure is a central concern: Lazzaro said cataracts in his practice are appearing 5 to 10 years earlier than three decades ago, a shift he believes may be tied to long-term sun damage.
Poor lighting, unhealthy diet, dehydration and inadequate sleep can add strain or worsen conditions linked to the eyes, including dry eye, diabetic eye disease, higher eye pressure and glaucoma risk in people with sleep apnea.
Eye rubbing may contribute to Keratoconus by altering the cornea’s shape, while glaucoma often develops without symptoms—making comprehensive annual eye exams the main way to catch it before vision loss.
Lazzaro said routine visits should start before obvious age-related changes, often beginning around ages 40 to 50, and can also help detect eyelid tumors and skin cancers early.