The Truth About Dry Eye in Dubai: Why Your Eyes Are Always Burning 

Dry eye disease has become one of the most common complaints among residents in Dubai, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether you’re an office professional working long hours on screens, a driver constantly exposed to air-conditioning, or someone who simply enjoys the outdoors, the environment in the UAE plays a major role in eye discomfort. Hot weather, low humidity, dust, air conditioning, and digital habits contribute to a perfect storm that leaves thousands struggling with burning, gritty, tired, or watery eyes. Many people assume dryness is a small inconvenience—but untreated dry eye can affect daily performance, emotional well-being, and long-term ocular health. 

To understand dry eye, it helps to know how the tear film works. Healthy tears consist of three layers: an oily layer that prevents evaporation, a watery layer that provides moisture, and a mucus layer that helps the tears spread evenly. When any of these layers are imbalanced, the surface of the eye becomes irritated, leading to the familiar symptoms of dryness. In Dubai, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is particularly common. These tiny oil-producing glands along the eyelids frequently become clogged due to heat, makeup residue, or long hours of screen use, leading to rapid tear evaporation. This is why many dry eye sufferers experience temporary relief with artificial tears but continue to struggle—they’re addressing the symptoms, not the cause. 

Digital behavior is another major driver. With remote work, online learning, and social media becoming daily routines, people are blinking far less than they normally would. The reduced blink rate means tears evaporate quickly, causing irritation, fluctuating vision, and headaches. Office workers often notice symptoms worsen toward the end of the day, especially when the air-conditioning is strong. In a climate like Dubai’s, where indoor cooling is essential, the constant airflow over the eyes accelerates tear evaporation—even for people who rarely use screens. 

Lifestyle factors also play a role. Contact lens wearers face a higher risk of dryness due to reduced oxygen flow on the cornea. Makeup particles, especially eyeliner applied inside the lash line, can block oil glands. Smokers experience increased surface inflammation, and even certain medications—such as antihistamines or acne treatments—can worsen dryness. Add frequent exposure to sandy winds or outdoor sports, and the irritation escalates quickly. 

The tricky part is that many people underestimate dry eye disease, thinking it’s normal to experience occasional burning or tearing. But mild dryness often progresses into chronic inflammation if neglected. Over time, the glands responsible for producing the oily layer may become damaged and stop functioning effectively. When this happens, dryness becomes more difficult to control and may significantly affect quality of life. Patients may struggle with driving at night, reading for long periods, focusing at work, or tolerating contact lenses. In severe cases, the corneal surface can develop micro-abrasions or become vulnerable to infection. 

This is why early evaluation is so important. A comprehensive dry eye assessment goes beyond simply checking the tear quantity. It includes mapping the tear film, evaluating tear breakup time, imaging the meibomian glands, assessing blink patterns, and identifying inflammation. These measurements reveal whether the dryness is due to inadequate tear production, poor tear quality, or both. Understanding this distinction allows for targeted and effective treatment rather than temporary relief. 

Modern treatments in Dubai have advanced significantly. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is an innovative option for people with gland dysfunction. It helps melt and release trapped oils, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy gland activity. Meibomian gland expression, warm compress therapies, and specialized eyelid hygiene routines also play important roles. For those with watery but irritated eyes, doctors focus on stabilizing the tear film rather than simply adding more tears. Hydration supplements, Omega-3 fatty acids, and environmental adjustments (such as using humidifiers) also help improve symptoms naturally. 

People with dry eye must also understand that tear drops are not all the same. Some lubricants target evaporation, others help healing, while some stabilize the mucin layer. A specialist can determine which formulation best suits each patient. Relying only on over-the-counter drops often provides incomplete relief, especially when underlying gland dysfunction is ignored. 

Prevention is equally important. Simple daily habits can significantly reduce discomfort: taking regular screen breaks, staying hydrated, using warm compresses, cleaning eyelids properly, adjusting air-conditioning flow, and wearing protective eyewear outdoors. Contact lens wearers benefit from switching to daily disposables or lenses designed for dry eye. Even small changes can drastically improve comfort. 

Ultimately, dry eye disease is not just a minor annoyance—it is a chronic condition that requires attention, especially in a climate like Dubai’s. With the right guidance, evaluation, and treatment, patients can enjoy clear, comfortable vision again. Ignoring symptoms allows dryness to become a long-term problem, but addressing it early ensures healthier eyes and better daily performance.