Dubai’s summers are no joke. With temperatures often soaring above 110°F (43°C), the intense sun and desert winds can be tough on your eyes. Whether you’re hopping between air-conditioned spaces or spending time outdoors, your eyes can suffer in ways you may not realize until it’s too late. Taking a few simple steps can make a big difference in protecting your vision and keeping your eyes healthy throughout the summer season.
This article will walk you through easy and practical ways to care for your eyes during the hot months in Dubai, where the sun shines bright, the air is dry, and dust is a constant companion.
1. Wear Sunglasses That Help
Sunglasses are not made alike. Are you just picking up a pair because they happen to be good-looking? Think twice. UV in Dubai is extremely high, and long, unprotected exposure may cause cataracts, photokeratitis (a sunburn in the eye), and other eye disorders.
Be sure to purchase sunglasses that state that they have 100 percent of the UVA and UVB block. Glare can also be reduced using polarized lenses when you are close to water or even on shiny roads. Wide frames or wrap-around designs provide added protection against side sunlight.
2. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
Dry eye is one of the greatest problems that people confront during a summer in Dubai. Eyes tend to dry and your eyes may get deficient in moisture between the drying sun, the dusty air, and the constant air conditioning. The burning, stinging, reddening, and gritty feeling of the eyes when noticed may mean that you have to contend with dryness.
Artificial tears may be very helpful. Whenever you are forced to use eye drops frequently, select the one that is free of preservatives. Also, avoid having straight air in your face that is either coming out of car vents or air conditioning in the house. It can also relieve tension and dryness by taking short breaks when using screens.
3. Stay Protected During Outdoor Activities
Whether you are going to the beach, sports games, or even going out to watch the sunset, summer in Dubai is more than direct sunshine into your eyes. Sand and dust constitute a significant part of irritation that can cause the surface of the eye to be scratched or become infected when carelessly.
Of course, you can protect yourself with protective glasses or goggles to avoid the entrance of foreign objects into your eyes. It will also be a good idea that you do not rub your eyes in case something enters your eyes. Rubbing can aggravate the condition. Rather rinse off the eyes with drinkable water or sterile saline solution.
4. Stay Hydrated for Eye Health
The eyes, like the other parts of your body, also require enough water to perform efficiently. Dehydration influences the secretions of the tears and may exacerbate the situation with dry eyes and pain. Given the fact that Dubai is hot, staying hydrated is even more important.
Bring a bottle of water with you and have it all day; a minimum of 8-10 glasses is required in a day. Increase the amount you drink in case you are perspiring a great deal or spending a longer time outside. Water does not only benefit your eyes, but it also improves the condition of your skin, joints, and energy.
5. Mind Your Contact Lenses
Contact lenses during summer require additional care. The dryness, heat, or dust may irritate or expose one to infection. Wash your hands before touching your lenses, and do not sleep with the lenses on, with the exception of as recommended by your eye doctor.
Ensure that you remove your lenses just in case you intend to swim. Bacteria in water collected in pools, in the sea, or even in showers may adhere to your lenses and lead to severe courses of infections. To minimize the possibility of accretion and irritation, take into consideration the use of daily disposable lenses during summer.
6. Give Your Eyes Screen-Time Breaks
It is a normal phenomenon to stay home in the hottest hours of the day. In many cases that translates into increased use of phones, tablets, or laptops. Spending longer periods on the screen may have some effect on your eyes, particularly in air-conditioned rooms, as the air is usually dry.
Adhere to the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, divert your gaze to an object that is 20 feet away and fix it for 20 seconds. It is one of the easiest methods to relieve your eyes and get rid of fatigue. The second is to advance the brightness of the screen and to enlarge the size of the written word when you have to strain to see it.
7. Watch Out for Eye Infections
The eyes may be infected in the summer because of dust and sweat. Conditions such as conjunctivitis (pinkeye) prevail more, especially when you are touching your eyes without washing your hands.
Try never to touch your face or eyes without washing your hands. Do not share towels, makeup, or sunglasses. When your eyes become itchy and red and start discharging, it is prudent to see an eye specialist in Dubai without delay in order to receive the appropriate kind of treatment to avoid complications.
8. Choose the Right Diet for Eye Health
The way your eyes can cope with the summer stress is dependent on your diet. Your eyes will benefit when you feed on foods with high amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Think of carrots, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish such as salmon or tuna.
These nutrients aid in guarding against dehydration, inflammation, and chronic conditions, such as macular degeneration. There is no need to undergo radical transformations; adding several food items that are easy on the eyes to the menu will make an impression in the long run.
9. Get Regular Eye Checkups
An eye doctor in Dubai is still a wise decision to visit, even in cases where you have no issues with vision. Eye checkups are able to pick up the early symptoms of dryness, allergy, or even dangerous conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.
Seeking a checkup in the summertime is a good decision, particularly in case you have noticed alterations in your vision or have become more irritable. A timely visit with the doctor can provide you with a sense of peace and keep you on par with any issues.
10. Use Proper Hygiene with Eye Products
Here is the reason why, summer demands slightly greater care in terms of cleanliness when it comes to eye drops and even makeup. Creams and makeup are spoiled faster in high temperatures, and expired ones may result in infection.
Keep your eye products away in a cool, dry place, and also inspect the dates of expiration. Women must not apply their cosmetics too near to the eyelashes and also must not transfer it with someone. In case your eyes feel irritated, avoid the usage of makeup until someone gets back to normal.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s intense summer can be challenging, especially for your eyes. But with just a few smart habits, like wearing proper sunglasses, staying hydrated, managing screen time, and booking regular checkups, you can protect your eyes and avoid discomfort. Small changes in your routine can go a long way in making sure your vision stays clear and healthy all season long.
Your eyes are with you every step of the way. They deserve just as much care and attention as any other part of your body, especially when the weather isn’t on your side. So take the time to treat them right, and you’ll enjoy every bit of Dubai’s sunshine with clarity and comfort.
