Bad Eyesight Explained
Your eyesight is precious — especially as you get older. But some everyday habits could be putting your vision at risk without you even realizing it.
After age 50, the chances of developing eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration increase. While aging and genetics play a major role, there are simple steps you can take to help protect your eyes.
Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, an ophthalmology professor at NYU Langone Health, highlights several common habits that deserve more attention.
1. Forgetting your sunglasses
Sunglasses aren't just a fashion accessory. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays may contribute to cataracts and other eye damage.
What to do: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when you're outdoors, even when the sun doesn't feel particularly strong.
2. Reading in poor lighting
Do you find yourself struggling to read the newspaper, a book, or your phone in dim light? That becomes more common with age.
Poor lighting can make your eyes work harder, leading to eye strain and discomfort. It doesn't automatically damage your eyesight, but better lighting can make reading much easier.
What to do: Use a bright reading lamp, increase the text size on your phone, and give your eyes regular breaks.
3. Ignoring what you eat
Your eyes benefit from the same healthy habits that support your heart and circulation. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can all affect eye health.
A balanced diet that includes leafy greens, colorful vegetables, fish, and other nutrient-rich foods can help support overall health.
What to do: Eat a variety of nutritious foods and work with your healthcare professional to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
4. Not drinking enough water
Dehydration can contribute to dry, uncomfortable eyes, particularly if you already experience dryness as you age.
What to do: Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, unless your healthcare professional has advised you to limit them. If dry eyes persist, ask your eye doctor about appropriate treatment.
5. Overlooking the importance of good sleep
Poor sleep and certain sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, have been associated with eye health problems. Sleep apnea may be linked to a higher risk of glaucoma and other eye conditions.
What to do: Take ongoing sleep problems seriously. If you snore heavily, wake up gasping, or feel unusually tired during the day, talk to your healthcare professional.
6. Rubbing your eyes too often
Rubbing your eyes may feel soothing when they're itchy or tired, but repeated, forceful rubbing can irritate the eyes and may contribute to corneal problems in susceptible people.
What to do: Avoid rubbing your eyes. If they itch or feel dry, ask a healthcare professional about the cause and appropriate treatment.
7. Skipping routine eye exams
This may be the most important mistake of all.
Glaucoma can develop gradually without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Other eye conditions may also progress before you realize your vision is changing.
An eye exam can help detect problems early, sometimes before you notice anything wrong.
What to do: Schedule comprehensive eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor, based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. Don't wait for blurry vision before getting checked.
The bottom line
You can't stop the aging process, but you can take steps to help protect your vision. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses, eat well, get enough sleep, avoid rubbing your eyes, and keep up with routine eye exams.
Remember: Seeing clearly today doesn't guarantee that your eyes are healthy. Some serious eye conditions have few or no early warning signs, which makes regular checkups especially important after 50.
Health note: This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. Sudden vision loss, new flashes or floaters, or a curtain-like shadow across your vision require urgent medical evaluation.
