During Ramadan, many Muslims focus on faith, family, and community, while carefully considering how medical treatments fit within their religious observance. For people living with glaucoma, questions about whether eye drops affect fasting can cause worry, and Berkshire Vision is here to provide reassurance and practical advice.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to sight loss if not carefully managed. In the UK, around 700,000 people are living with glaucoma, making awareness and consistent treatment especially important. While any sight already lost cannot be restored, daily prescribed eye drops can help protect remaining sight and prevent further deterioration.
Many Muslims worry that using eye drops during fasting could invalidate the fast. However, the majority of Islamic scholars agree that eye drops do not break the fast, meaning people can continue their prescribed treatment safely during Ramadan.
Laura Mitchell, CEO of Berkshire Vision, explains:
“During Ramadan, many people adapt their daily routines while focusing on faith, family and community. We want to offer reassurance that continuing prescribed eye drops is important for protecting sight, and many scholars confirm they can be used while fasting. Our aim is simply to support people so they can observe Ramadan with confidence and peace of mind.”
For those looking for additional guidance, Berkshire Vision suggests a few practical tips:
Take prescribed eye drops as advised by your healthcare professional
Gently press the inner corner of the eye after applying drops to help keep the medication in the eye
If preferred, use eye drops between Suhoor and Iftar
Speak with your GP, eye specialist, or trusted faith leader if you have any concerns
Berkshire Vision encourages open conversations between patients, healthcare professionals, and faith leaders so that individuals can balance their health needs alongside religious observance with confidence and peace of mind.
For more information about eye care during Ramadan, you can visit the Glaucoma UK website.
Image used from Glaucoma UKÂ
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