The International Glaucoma Association urges Muslim patients living with glaucoma not to stop taking eye drop medication during Ramadan. It is crucial not to stop your prescribed eye drop medication during the fasting period. Stopping eye drops can lead to permanent sight loss.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually due to excessive pressure within the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to serious loss of vision, with up to 40 per cent of sight being permanently lost before the effects are noticed by the individual. Fortunately, glaucoma is the most common cause of preventable blindness and for most glaucoma patients, daily eye drops are a simple solution to control their condition and save their sight.

Subhash Suthar, International Glaucoma Association's Development Manager, comments:
“We want to reassure the Muslim community that drops can be taken before dawn (Suhoor) and after sunset (Iftar), when food and drink can be consumed.

Helpful Tip: We also suggest that patients close the tear duct when putting eye drops (known as punctual occlusion). This process means the drops will stay in the eye and does not drain into the throat and so cannot be tasted. This is achieved by gently pressing with your finger the corner of the eye, next to the nose (punctual occlusion) immediately after instilling drops. By following these simple steps, you can manage your glaucoma during Ramadan without compromising your health or faith.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and protect your vision!

Kingston Association for the Blind

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Established in 1966, our mission is to empower people of all ages living with sight loss, to lead independent and fulfilled lives in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding areas