Vision is one of our most important senses, yet eye health is often overlooked until problems develop. Regular eye examinations can detect conditions early, when treatment is most effective. This is particularly important in the UAE, where factors like intense sunlight, air conditioning, and prolonged screen use affect eye health.
Common Eye Conditions
Refractive Errors
The most common vision problems worldwide:
- Myopia (short-sightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness): Difficulty seeing close objects clearly
- Astigmatism: Blurred vision at all distances due to irregular corneal shape
- Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty focusing on close objects (typically after age 40)
The WHO estimates that at least 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment, and in at least 1 billion cases it could have been prevented or treated.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Very common in the UAE due to:
- Air conditioning (dry indoor air)
- High outdoor temperatures and wind
- Prolonged screen use (reduced blinking)
- Contact lens wear
Symptoms: burning, itching, redness, feeling of grit in the eye, watery eyes (paradoxically), and blurred vision.
Management includes:
- Artificial tears (lubricating eye drops)
- Taking regular screen breaks (the 20-20-20 rule)
- Using a humidifier indoors
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors
Cataracts
- Clouding of the natural lens inside the eye
- The leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide
- Risk increases with age (most common after 60)
- Other risk factors: diabetes, UV exposure, smoking, corticosteroid use
- Treatment: surgical lens replacement (a safe, common procedure)
Glaucoma
- A group of conditions that damage the optic nerve
- Often associated with increased pressure inside the eye
- Usually has no early symptoms (called the "silent thief of sight")
- Regular eye pressure checks are essential, especially after age 40
- Treatment: eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to reduce eye pressure
Diabetic Retinopathy
- Damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes
- A leading cause of blindness in working-age adults
- May have no symptoms in early stages
- The ADA recommends annual dilated eye exams for all people with diabetes
- Early detection and treatment (laser therapy, injections) can prevent vision loss
Digital Eye Strain
Prolonged use of computers, phones, and tablets can cause:
- Eye fatigue and discomfort
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
The 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds. This is recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to reduce digital eye strain.
Additional Tips for Screen Users
- Position your screen at arm's length and slightly below eye level
- Adjust screen brightness to match your surroundings
- Increase text size if you find yourself squinting
- Blink frequently and use lubricating eye drops if needed
- Consider blue-light-filtering glasses if you experience discomfort (though evidence for their effectiveness is mixed)
When to Get an Eye Exam
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the AAO recommend:
- Children: Vision screening at birth, during infancy, and at school age
- Adults 18–39: Every 2–3 years if no risk factors
- Adults 40–64: Every 1–2 years
- Adults 65+: Annually
- People with diabetes: Annually (dilated exam)
- People at higher risk (family history of glaucoma, previous eye injury): As recommended by your ophthalmologist
Seek Immediate Eye Care If You Experience:
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden onset of flashing lights or numerous floaters
- A "curtain" or shadow across your vision
- Severe eye pain
- Eye injury
- Sudden double vision
- Red eye with pain and decreased vision
Protecting Your Eyes in the UAE
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses (look for UV400 or 100% UV protection) whenever outdoors
- Stay hydrated - dehydration worsens dry eye
- Manage chronic conditions - diabetes and hypertension affect eye health
- Do not smoke - smoking doubles the risk of macular degeneration
- Eat a balanced diet - nutrients important for eye health include vitamins A, C, E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in leafy greens, eggs, fish, and citrus fruits)
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or ophthalmologist for personalised guidance.