MUSLIMS across London who use eye drops are being urged not to stop using them during Ramadan, or risk putting their eye health in jeopardy, experts are warning.
Eye drops are an important part of managing several conditions including glaucoma, dry eye syndrome as well as providing more comfort for those who wear contact lenses.
However, almost half of Muslims (45.5%) worry that using eye drops would nullify their Ramadan fast (which starts on April 2 until May 1 between dawn and sunset) as excess liquid can drain through the tear ducts to the back of the throat.
While not taking eye drops for dry eye and contact lenses can mean that eyes become uncomfortable and inflamed, in more serious conditions like glaucoma the impact can be more severe. This is why experts at Specsavers and Glaucoma UK are expressing their concerns that in not taking their recommended drops people could cause a detrimental impact on their vision which could even lead to sight loss.
Joanna Bradley, Head of Support Services at Glaucoma UK, says: ‘It is vital that Muslims keep using their eye drops to treat their glaucoma during Ramadan as stopping, even for a short period, could cause irreversible damage to their sight.
‘It is also important to highlight that eye drops are not considered food or drink in almost all Islamic schools of thought, therefore, even if drops do reach the back of the throat, the fast is not affected.
‘For additional reassurance, there are a few things that people can do to minimise this risk, including a technique called punctal occlusion, which involves closing the tear duct immediately after putting in drops, by putting finger pressure at the corner of the eye next to the nose. This reduces the risk of the drops reaching the back of the throat, and also keeps the eye drop in the eye where it needs to be. Alternatively, use drops before dawn or after sunset, outside of fasting hours.’
Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can happen when naturally-occurring fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, causing a build-up of pressure which damages the optic nerve. There are two main types – chronic glaucoma, which develops slowly with subtle changes to vision, and acute glaucoma, which develops rapidly with a sudden, painful build-up of pressure in the eye.
Although it often affects both eyes, in a lot of cases it can be symptomless until it has already damaged your sight, so regular eye tests – and making sure that you follow your treatment plan if diagnosed – really matter.
Specsavers optometrist and store director, Mohammed Rehmani, adds: ‘If glaucoma is left untreated or unmanaged it can cause irreversible vision loss. However, if it is picked up early and treated it can be successfully managed, minimising sight loss. If you have any concerns make sure you book an appointment to see your optometrist.’
