Oct 08, 2025

Love Your Eyes at work: How to protect your vision and boost productivity

Every October, the world comes together to mark World Sight Day, a global initiative led by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to raise awareness about the importance of eye health. World Sight Day falls on 9 October this year under the global overarching theme “Love Your Eyes.”

This year, the focus is “Love Your Eyes at Work,” highlighting that protecting our vision is essential for personal well-being, productivity, and safety in the workplace.

Whether you spend your day in front of a computer, driving long distances, teaching, or working outdoors, your eyes are constantly at work. Yet, they are often overlooked in workplace health and wellness conversations.

In this blog, we highlight important facts, the importance of eye health in the workplace, the risks you may face, and practical steps to protect your sight for years to come.

General facts about vision and eye health

Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have near or distance vision impairment, and in at least 1 billion of these cases, the impairment could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed (World Health Organisation). The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness are:

The encouraging news is that 90% of all sight loss is preventable or treatable (IAPB). With early detection, most eye diseases can be managed, treated, or their progression slowed.

The importance of eye health at work

Vision problems affect overall quality of life, from daily comfort to productivity, concentration, and safety at work. In 2020, an estimated 143 million working-age adults had moderate or severe vision impairment.

Good vision improves productivity by 22%. Something as simple as wearing the correct spectacles can significantly enhance work performance.
Even mild vision impairment can reduce productivity by 10% and accuracy by 22%.

In Dubai and across the UAE, where long working hours, screen-based jobs, and exposure to dust, air conditioning, and intense sunlight are common, protecting eye health in the workplace is more important than ever.

Common workplace eye health issues and solutions

Digital eye strain and dry eyes

Many professionals in the UAE spend 6–10 hours daily on digital devices, which can lead to digital eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and tired eyes.
Another common issue is dry eye, which occurs because we blink less when using screens, combined with the effects of air-conditioned indoor environments and the region’s hot climate.

Tips to reduce strain and dryness:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Use lubricating drops if advised by an eye specialist.
Stay hydrated and ensure healthy humidity levels indoors.
Prioritise rest and adequate sleep, as fatigue can worsen digital strain.

The five-minute check

Simple adjustments at your desk can make a big difference. Use this quick Five-Minute Check (IAPB) to optimise your workspace and protect your eyes while working at a screen.

My chair supports my entire body, and my feet are adequately rested on the floor.
My monitor is slightly below eye level, helping my eyes to look downward. Note that the recommended placement is 15–20 degrees below eye level.
My screen is 50–66 cm away from my eyes.
My screen can tilt and swivel and has inbuilt glare filters.
My screen is tilted 10° to 20° away from me.
My screen is positioned away from glare of any lighting or windows.
My room is well lit.
My screen is dust free.
My blue light glasses are within reach.
I have increased fonts and zoomed in to avoid bending or moving closer to my screen.

Nutrition and healthy eating at work

Eye health starts from within and a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions.

Smart workplace choices:

Snack on carrots, cucumbers, nuts, and seeds instead of processed foods.
Add green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and oily fish such as salmon to meals.
Limit excess sugar and refined carbs, particularly if you have diabetes

Protecting your eyes in different work environments

Office workers

Use the 5-minute checklist.
Apply the 20-20-20 rule.
Ensure pro-per lighting to reduce glare.

Outdoor workers

Wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use protective eyewear against dust, chemicals, or construction debris.
Take breaks in shaded areas to reduce glare and dryness.

Drivers and pilots

Keep windscreens clean to minimise glare.
Divert air conditioning away from blowing directly into your eyes
Regularly update your prescription glasses or lenses.
Avoid driving with untreated cataracts, which cause halos and blur.

How to “Love Your Eyes at Work” every day

Building small, consistent habits into your daily routine can help you look after your eyes. Regular eye checks are one of the most important steps you can take.

Schedule regular eye checks – Early detection of cataract, glaucoma, or diabetic eye disease is crucial in preserving vision.
Consult a specialist early – Do not ignore redness, discomfort, or blurred vision.
Follow advice – Apply the steps highlighted to maintain proper eye health.

Eye health is essential for work and life

World Sight Day 2025 calls us to “Love Your Eyes at Work.” Vision is one of our most valuable assets, shaping how we learn, connect, and thrive professionally and personally. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your vision well into the future.

If you are due for an eye check or have noticed any changes in your vision, ensure to take action.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should i get my eyes checked?

For most adults, a comprehensive eye examination every one to two years is sufficient to maintain healthy vision. However, if your job requires prolonged computer use or you spend much of the day on digital devices, more frequent checks may be beneficial.

Regular eye tests are not just about updating your glasses prescription. They allow ophthalmologists to detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal disease, many of which may not show obvious symptoms in their initial stages. For individuals living with diabetes, annual eye examinations are essential, as changes to the retina can occur silently and only be detected through professional assessment.

Are dry eyes a serious condition or just a minor discomfort?

Dry eyes are often underestimated as a simple irritation, but they can significantly affect daily comfort, productivity, and even long-term vision. The condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, often due to prolonged screen use, air-conditioned offices, or environmental factors such as dust and heat.

If left untreated, chronic dry eye can cause inflammation, blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and, in severe cases, damage to the corneal surface. This can interfere with daily tasks, including reading, driving, and computer work.

Dry eye can usually be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, artificial tears, and, when necessary, advanced clinical treatments. Seeking advice early makes a significant difference, helping you maintain comfort at work and avoid complications later in life.

Can workplace habits really affect the development of cataracts?

Cataracts develop naturally with age, but certain lifestyle and occupational factors can influence how quickly they progress. Prolonged exposure to UV light, common among outdoor workers in the UAE, can accelerate cataract formation. Similarly, poor dietary habits, smoking, and not wearing protective eyewear in hazardous environments may also contribute.

Symptoms of cataracts include blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing in low light, or glare around lights, all of which can make workplace tasks more challenging. By protecting your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and attending routine eye examinations, you can slow the progression of cataracts and ensure timely treatment if they develop

What is the link between diabetes and vision at work?

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable vision loss worldwide. High blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. In its early stages, this condition is usually silent, showing no obvious symptoms. By the time vision changes are noticed, damage may already be advanced.

For working professionals in Dubai and the wider UAE where the prevalence of diabetes is among the highest globally, this poses a significant risk. Reduced vision can impact work performance, safety, and independence.

The most effective protection is regular diabetic eye screening, combined with good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control. Early detection allows for treatment options, such as laser therapy or advanced medications, which can preserve sight and help individuals continue performing effectively at work.

What foods should I keep at my desk for healthy eyes?

Nutrition plays a surprisingly powerful role in protecting your eyes at work. Keeping the right snacks at your desk can support eye health, improve concentration, and reduce fatigue.

Nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds) provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect against age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes.
Fresh fruit such as oranges, berries, and kiwi are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the health of blood vessels in the eye.
Vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers contain beta-carotene and other essential nutrients that contribute to retinal health.
Fatty fish (ideal for lunch rather than a snack) such as salmon or sardines provide high levels of omega-3, which supports tear film stability and reduces the risk of dry eyes.

By choosing these healthy snacks instead of processed foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, you can give your eyes the nutrients they need to perform well throughout the day and safeguard your long-term vision