CLEAR VISION, EVERY DECADE

From toddlerhood to your golden years, your eyes have different needs at every age. Here's your smart, seasonal guide to staying sharp-sighted in the UAE — no matter where you are on life’s timeline

- 

If your eyes could talk, they'd probably say, “We've seen some things.” From binge-watching your favourite series to squinting at spreadsheets, our eyes endure a lot. But as we age, their needs evolve, demanding more than just the occasional eye roll at bad lighting. In the UAE, where the sun blazes and screens dominate our lives, understanding how to care for our vision at every stage is crucial.

Infancy to childhood (0-12): Laying the foundation

Early eye care is pivotal. Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months, then at age three, and again before starting school. Regular check-ups can detect issues like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes) early on, ensuring timely intervention.

The National Centre for Children’s Vision and Eye Health emphasised that up to 1 in 17 preschool-aged children and 1 in 4 schoolaged children have undetected and untreated vision disorders that can interfere with learning and development.

Teens & 20s: Screen time and UV protection

Digital devices are integral to modern life, but excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. The American Optometric Association recommends the 2020-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.