As Americans live longer, experts say everyday habits may be taking a toll on eye health earlier than expected.Dr.Douglas Lazzaro, professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, warned that several everyday habits may be silently affecting eye health.Age-related eye conditions include glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, and cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can block light and blur vision.POPULAR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION DRUG LINKED TO EYE DISEASE THAT CAN CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE VISION LOSSWhile genetics and aging remain major drivers of many eye diseases, avoiding the following common mistakes may help slow their progression and protect vision, Lazzaro told Fox News Digital.While exposure to sunlight is beneficial for overall metabolic health and longevity, failing to protect the eyes from the sun may lead to accelerated damage.Failing to protect the eyes from the sun may lead to accelerated damage.
(iStock)Lazzaro pointed to research suggesting that long-term ultraviolet exposure may contribute to macular degeneration and the progression of cataracts.POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS FACE NUMEROUS LAWSUITS OVER RARE 'EYE STROKE' LINKED TO VISION LOSSIn the doctor's own practice, cataracts are appearing five to 10 years earlier than they did three decades ago, which he believes may be linked to ultraviolet light exposure.He recommends wearing sunglasses in bright, sunny conditions to help protect the eyes, including the lens and retina.Reading in poor lighting can increase eye strain and make it harder to focus, particularly with age, according to Lazzaro.Straining the eyes to see or read something puts stress on the optic nerves, the eye doctor said.(iStock)"As we get older, our eyes have more difficulty seeing under certain lighting conditions," he told Fox News Digital, noting that older adults may have more difficulty adjusting to darker environments."If you're going be reading and it's not a bright, sunny day outside or you're not inside with bright lig...