Abstract
PURPOSE: To provide a perspective of observed associations between lifestyle exposures and eye diseases in adults. DESIGN: Summary of recent epidemiologic studies. METHODS: Nonsystematic review of the literature. RESULTS: Data suggest that some lifestyle exposures (e.g., smoking) are significantly associated with risk of several different diseases, suggesting that altering behaviors may decrease risk. Where risk is inherent to an occupational or recreational activity, eye protection is likely to decrease risk. CONCLUSIONS: Although data are imperfect, it seems that some lifestyle alterations may decrease the risk of eye diseases at little or no risk to the individual.