Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential After 40 in the UAE

15/12/2025

There is a moment most people in their 40s recognize: you stretch your arm a little further to read your phone, or you suddenly find yourself increasing the brightness on every screen you own. It's subtle at first, almost easy to ignore but your eyes are quietly telling you that they're changing.

Turning 40 is a milestone for your vision, and regular eye exams become more than a routine check; they become an early-warning system. And in a place like the UAE, where lifestyle, climate, and health risks vary from the rest of the world, monitoring your eye health becomes even more important.

At Barraquer Eye Hospital, we see countless patients who say, “My eyes were completely fine until suddenly they weren't.” The truth is, changes after 40 are gradual but predictable. And with the right care, they're entirely manageable.

Your Eyes Change More Quickly After 40. Here's Why

After 40, the lens inside your eye starts to stiffen a natural process called presbyopia. That's why reading menus, checking WhatsApp messages, or looking at labels becomes a struggle up close. But presbyopia is only one piece of the puzzle. This is also the age where several silent eye conditions begin to develop. You may not feel pain. You may not see obvious symptoms. But changes can be happening behind the scenes. Some of the most common include:

• Glaucoma

Known as the “silent thief of sight,” because it damages the optic nerve slowly and usually without symptoms.
By the time vision changes appear, damage is often permanent.c

• Cataracts

Clouding of the lens, making vision dull, blurry, or sensitive to light.
Hot climates like the UAE often accelerate cataract progression.

• Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Affects central vision, making tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult.

• Diabetic Retinopathy

Particularly relevant in the UAE, where diabetes rates are among the highest globally. Even well-managed diabetes can quietly affect your retina. These conditions are easier to treat when detected early and that's exactly where regular eye exams make all the difference.

Why Eye Exams Matter More in the UAE

Living in the UAE adds several unique stressors to your eyes:

• Intense sunlight & high UV index

• Heavy air conditioning causing dryness

• Dust and sand exposure

• High rates of screen-heavy jobs

• Increased prevalence of diabetes and hypertension

This mix means people in the UAE often experience earlier or more intense eye strain, dry eye syndrome, and faster lens changes. Many patients assume these symptoms are “normal.” But often, they're the earliest sign of something developing.

What an Eye Exam After 40 Actually Checks

A proper eye exam is much more than reading letters on a chart. At Barraquer, exams for adults over 40 include:

• Detailed vision check

To monitor changes in reading distance and clarity.

• Eye pressure measurement

To screen for glaucoma before it causes damage.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

High-resolution imaging that detects microscopic issues in the retina and optic nerve.

• Lens clarity exam

To identify early cataract formation.

• Diabetic retinal screening

If you have essential diabetes, even with perfect vision.

• Corneal health and tear film evaluation

Especially important in the UAE due to dry and dusty conditions. You may walk in with no symptoms at all but walk out with insight that could save your vision.

How often should adults aged 40 - 54 Get Checked?

For most adults:

 

• Adults aged 40-54: It is advisable to undergo a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years. Early detection of changes in vision or eye health can help prevent complications.
• Adults aged 55 and above: Annual eye examinations are strongly recommended, as the likelihood of age-related eye conditions increases, making regular monitoring essential.

 

But if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, or work long hours on screens you may need more frequent assessments.

Why Barraquer Eye Hospital?

What sets Barraquer apart isn't just the technology, it's the approach. Your exam isn't rushed. Your concerns aren't dismissed. And your treatment isn't generic.

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools, including OCT, corneal topography, retinal imaging, and laser-based assessments, to catch early problems long before they interfere with your daily life. And because our doctors are trained at the Barraquer Institute in Barcelona, ​​you get care rooted in decades of global excellence.

Conclusion

Your 40s don't have to mark the beginning of vision problems but they should mark the beginning of paying more attention. Your eyesight is one of the most precious things you have. An eye examination once a year can protect it for decades. At Barraquer, we're here to guide you through every stage of eye health so you can continue seeing the world with clarity, comfort, and confidence.

Schedule a consultation today

For consultation, please contact us:

• Email: appointments@barraquer.ae
• Phone (Outside the UAE): +971 4 573 9999
• Toll-Free (Within the UAE): 800 234823 (BEHUAE)
• Availability: 7 days a week, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  Extended hours on Monday until 8:00 PM