Everyday Causes of Eye Pain You Shouldn't Ignore

Outdated Prescription

Wearing glasses with an old or inaccurate prescription can strain your eyes. If your lenses no longer match your visual needs, your eyes work harder to focus. This leads to symptoms like headaches, blurry vision, and sore eyes.

Many customers in Dubai don’t realize their prescription has changed until they get a new eye exam. If it’s been over a year since your last checkup, visit an eye specialist.

Adasat makes it easy to update your lenses. Shop prescription glasses and get high‑quality frames with your latest specs delivered across the UAE.

Prolonged Use of Glasses

If you wear your glasses too long, especially in air-conditioned settings like offices or malls, your eyes may feel dry or tired. This is common in Dubai, where indoor environments use strong air conditioning, which reduces humidity and dries out the eyes.

You may notice dry or itchy eyes, a burning sensation, or discomfort when blinking. Using hydrating eye drops and taking regular breaks from screens can help. Also, consider lens care solutions from Adasat that support lens hygiene and comfort.

Exposure to Bright Light

Another reason many ask, “Why do bright lights hurt my eyes?” is Dubai’s intense sunlight. Without proper UV protection, your eyes can become overly sensitive and sore.

Wearing UV-protected sunglasses can reduce glare and prevent damage from ultraviolet rays. Explore Adasat’s sunglasses with stylish options for both casual and prescription use.

Poor Lens Coating or Quality

Low-quality lenses or scratched coatings may cause reflections or optical distortions. This affects your focus and can make your eyes work harder.

Invest in anti-reflective coating, blue light filters, or photochromic lenses that adapt to light. These are available in many Adasat frames and are especially useful for Dubai’s bright environment.

How Digital Eye Strain Affects Urban Lifestyles in Dubai?

In today’s hyperconnected world, digital devices are a central part of daily life, especially in a bustling metropolis like Dubai. Whether you're checking emails, working remotely, navigating maps, or streaming media, screen time is often prolonged and uninterrupted.

This overexposure leads to a condition called Digital Eye Strain (DES), also known as Computer Vision Syndrome.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital Eye Strain (DES) refers to a group of eye and vision-related issues resulting from prolonged use of screens such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. According to the American Optometric Association, common symptoms include:

• Eye fatigue and soreness

• Blurred or double vision

• Dry, itchy, or watery eyes

• Headaches and neck/shoulder tension

Practical Tips to Reduce Eye Strain from Screens

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit reduces the constant focusing effort your eyes make while using digital screens.

2. Use Blue Light-Filtering Eyewear

Blue light emitted by screens can interfere with both eye comfort and sleep. Adasat offers glasses with integrated blue light filters, reducing glare and helping prevent strain during prolonged digital use.

3. Adjust Lighting and Screens

Avoid working in low-light settings and reduce overhead glare. Increase screen contrast and use night mode on your devices to reduce blue light exposure.

4. Apply Artificial Tears or Rewetting Drops

Digital work reduces blink rates by nearly 60%, contributing to dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops, many of which are available through Adasat, to maintain hydration and protect your tear film.

5. Schedule Routine Eye Exams

Even minor focusing issues can become exaggerated during screen use. Regular checkups ensure your prescription meets your daily visual demands, including screen use. Specialized lenses for digital work, like those with intermediate focal zones, are also available.

The Hidden Ways Dubai’s Climate Impacts Your Eye Health

Living in the UAE presents unique environmental challenges for maintaining eye health. With extreme heat, a high UV index, frequent sandstorms, and low humidity, Dubai’s climate can significantly impact your eyes, especially if you rely on glasses or contact lenses.

Low Humidity and Dry Eye Syndrome

Dubai’s arid desert climate results in some of the lowest humidity levels in urban areas worldwide. Relative humidity can fall below 20% during peak summer, compared to more temperate regions, which average around 50–60%.

Dry air accelerates tear evaporation, often leading to DES, a condition characterized by redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.

Individuals who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses are more susceptible due to the altered tear film dynamics caused by eyewear.

UV Radiation and Photokeratitis

The UV index in Dubai regularly exceeds 10 (very high to extreme), especially between May and September. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation without adequate protection may lead to photokeratitis, a painful sunburn of the cornea.

Symptoms include sensitivity to light, tearing, and a sensation that something is stuck in your eye.

Standard clear lenses often don’t offer UV protection, which is why sunglasses or prescription lenses with integrated UV-blocking technology are strongly recommended.

Sand and Allergens

Dust and sand particles suspended in the air, particularly during sandstorms, can irritate the eyes and scratch the corneal surface.

The small airborne particles can lodge between your eye and contact lens or even settle on your glasses, causing both discomfort and potential infection. This makes lens hygiene more critical than ever in Dubai’s environment.

Wearing wraparound sunglasses or switching to daily disposable contact lenses during sandstorms can help protect your eyes from allergens and debris. Adasat also provides lens sprays and travel cleaning kits specifically designed for outdoor and desert conditions.

Simple Steps to Relieve Eye Discomfort Considering Dubai’s Weather

1. Get an Updated Prescription

Have your eyes checked regularly. A small change in your vision can lead to big discomfort if ignored. If your current glasses cause pain or fatigue, they may be outdated.

2. Switch to Contact Lenses (if suitable)

Some people in Dubai prefer contact lenses for active or outdoor use. They offer a wider field of view and eliminate some of the discomfort caused by heavy or misaligned frames. In addition, make sure you choose the right eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated while wearing lenses.

3. Use Sunglasses with Proper UV Protection

The sun in Dubai is harsh. If you experience eye pain outdoors, your regular glasses may not be enough. Sunglasses with polarized lenses help reduce glare from sand, buildings, and car windshields.

4. Maintain Lens Hygiene

Dirty or smudged lenses can blur vision and strain your eyes. Always clean your glasses with proper solutions.

Adasat offers a range of cleaning sprays, cloths, and solutions designed to protect your lenses and your eyes.

When to See an Eye Specialist?

If you’ve made changes and still wonder, why do my eyes and head hurt? See an optometrist. Sometimes, eye pain may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as dry eye syndrome, astigmatism, or even allergies.

Consult a licensed provider for a full eye health check.

Conclusion

If you’re asking yourself why my eyes hurt when I wear my glasses too long, you’re already on the right track. Identifying the cause is the first step to relief. Whether it’s an outdated prescription, bright light, or dryness, there are effective solutions available right here in Dubai.

Adasat provides quality eyewear, UV protection, contact lenses, and care products to help you see clearly and live comfortably. Check out Adasat today to explore our full range and find what suits your lifestyle. If you need more information, call them at 04 557 4379 or email info@adasat.com.

FAQs About Eye Pain and Eyewear in Dubai

How often should I change my prescription glasses?

It is recommended to update your glasses every 1 to 2 years. If you experience eye pain, blurry vision, or headaches, schedule an eye exam sooner. Even small prescription changes can greatly reduce discomfort.

Can I wear contact lenses instead of glasses in Dubai’s weather?

Yes. Contact lenses are a convenient choice, especially for outdoor activities. Choose moisture-rich, UV-blocking lenses to suit Dubai’s dry and sunny climate. Proper cleaning and storage are essential for avoiding irritation.

Are sunglasses necessary in Dubai if I already wear glasses?

Absolutely. Dubai’s strong sunlight can cause eye strain, even for users of prescription glasses. Consider prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and intense glare.

Can poor lens coatings cause eye pain?

Yes. Inferior or damaged coatings may increase glare and reduce clarity, forcing your eyes to work harder. This also answers, “Why do my eyes hurt when I look around?” Opt for high-quality coatings like anti-reflective and scratch-resistant options, available on Adasat frames.

Why are my eyes paining from the inside?

Pain behind the eyes may stem from fatigue, sinus congestion, or vision issues like astigmatism. If it happens while wearing glasses, your prescription may be outdated. Seek a professional eye exam for proper diagnosis.