Eye drops during Ramadan

April 29, 2020

We must remind all colleagues that patients should be encouraged to take their eye drops during Ramadan.

Muslims using eye drops during Ramadan will not break their fast as the medication does not count as food or drink.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the main nerve to the eye (the optic nerve) is damaged where it leaves the back of the eye. As it becomes damaged, vision is lost, usually starting around the edge of the field of vision known as peripheral vision. There are no early symptoms of glaucoma, so up to 40 per cent of the peripheral vision can be lost without an individual noticing.

The most common treatment for glaucoma is to take eye drops. Depending on the type of eye drops, these may need to be taken every day and sometimes two or three times a day.

Mr Abdul-Jabbar Ghauri, Consultant Ophthalmologist, said, “Eye drops should be taken throughout the month. According to most legal schools, the medication is not considered to break the fast, even if traces of taste or colour reach the back of the throat. For those people who aren’t convinced and can still taste the drop, they can try punctal occlusion. Most scholars would agree that eye drops do not count as food or drink. Islam forbids any act which is harmful to an individual. All Muslims should take care of their bodies, entrusted to them by God.

“It is really important that we get the message out there that taking eye drops, or any medication for long-term illnesses is vital. Eye drops need to be taken every day in a range of eye conditions, including glaucoma and inflammatory eye disease. Even stopping the drops for a short time can cause permanent damage to a person’s vision and they may not notice any damage until their next check-up and field test.

“We know Ramadan can be a busy time, so we recommend that patients leave their drops in a prominent place, such as by their toothbrush. Putting a reminder on a phone is also a good way to remember to take them.”