SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Amid rising temperatures, watery or tired eyes have become a prevalent health concern and ophthalmologists say intense summer heat, low indoor humidity and prolonged screen use contribute to a rise in dry eye cases.
Speaking to Aletihad, specialists shared warning signs and practical ways to protect eye health during the summer months.
Dr Ivana Romac Coc, MD, Staff Physician within the Ophthalmology Department of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Surgical Institute, said the climate here and lifestyle create ideal conditions for dry eye disease.
"Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly,” Dr Romac Coc said.
She explained that frequent movement between outdoor heat and heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces accelerates tear evaporation.
Prolonged use of computers, phones and tablets further increases the risk because people blink less often, she added.
"When we are focused on a computer, phone, or tablet, we naturally blink less often."
According to Dr Romac Coc, dry eye disease is often overlooked because its symptoms can be misleading.
"Many people are surprised to learn that watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye disease," she said.
Burning, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity and a gritty sensation are also common symptoms, she said, urging people to seek medical advice if discomfort persists or begins interfering with daily activities.
To help prevent dry eye, she encouraged residents to take regular screen breaks, blink more frequently, avoid direct air-conditioning, maintain good hydration and follow the 20-20-20 rule to help reduce digital eye strain.
"Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen to an object about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.”
Dr Omar Rafiq, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Centre Abu Dhabi, noted that time spent outdoors, fans, air conditioning, swimming pools, sun exposure and dehydration all contribute to worsening eye symptoms.
According to Dr Rafiq, hot weather is also associated with a rise in conjunctivitis, allergic eye disease, eyelid infections and UV-related conditions that increase the long-term risk of cataracts and pterygium.
He warned that air conditioning remains one of the most underestimated causes of dry eye.
"Air conditioning reduces humidity in a room, drying out the air and pulling moisture from the eye's surface."
He advised people not to position air-conditioning vents directly towards their eyes and to protect themselves from dust, which can scratch the cornea or trigger allergic reactions.
Dr Rafiq also highlighted several warning signs that should never be ignored.
"Persistent redness, excessive watering, blurred vision and sensitivity to light should not be ignored."
He stressed that sudden eye pain, flashes of light or floaters require urgent medical attention rather than home remedies.
To reduce the risk of summer eye problems, he encouraged residents to use preservative-free artificial tears, wear UV-protective sunglasses, stay hydrated, avoid rubbing their eyes and follow the 20-20-20 rule.
"See an eye doctor if symptoms persist beyond a few days rather than self-treating."