Ramadan, regarded as the most important and holy month for
Muslims worldwide, falls within the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During
this month, people abstain from eating, drinking, and other life needs from
sunrise to sunset. This month is dedicated to self-reflection, growth, and the love
of Allah. One of the five pillars of Islam is fasting. The essential religious
practices that every Muslim must perform are known as the five pillars of
Islam.
Impact of Fasting During Ramadan
People worldwide, particularly Muslims, have successfully observed Ramadan for over 1,000 years. These religious and spiritual rituals are followed by millions of Muslims worldwide. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to dusk during this holy month. However, some people wonder if an extended fast may harm their health. One issue that most individuals experience during fasting is dehydration.
Changes in the functions of the eyes are one of the adverse effects of fasting. It may affect the characteristics of the anterior and posterior segments, blood flow, and intraocular pressure (IOP). It has been demonstrated that dehydration in the morning and just before dawn increases and decreases tear production. Ocular blood flow can be altered by fasting during Ramadan, and those with ocular vein blockage may experience various problems. Visual acuity and refractive errors don't matter but worsen after Ramadan. Some of the best advice for protecting eye health throughout Ramadan is provided here.
Understand What Is Dry Eyes Syndrome?
Our eyes can't produce enough tears, which leads to dry eye
syndrome. Our tear glands typically continuously secrete tears, which cover our
eyes with a thin layer of moisture. This barrier of defense aids in removing
dust and debris from the eye and preserves its overall health.
Without tears, our eyes are open to any irritation that may
come into contact with them. In addition to causing discomfort, redness,
swelling, and a stinging feeling, this might worsen if left untreated.
Ways To Keep Your Eyes Healthy Throughout Ramadan
Healthy lives often involve proper lighting, exercise, diet,
water, and sleep at night. Furthermore, maintaining healthy eyes requires these
things. Therefore, look for local eye specialists and speak with physicians. Choose
a diet rich in fresh produce, wholesome grains, and balanced fruits and vegetables. Those who have dry eyes may find it difficult to fast throughout
Ramadan. Consider the following management strategies:
Drinking Water
It's essential for those who fast to stay hydrated if they
want to protect their eyes. Consume at least 2.5 liters of water both before
and after the fast. It will assist you in addressing the issue of dehydration.
Rest Well
Many people need help to keep up with their sleep schedules,
which causes them to sleep less during the holy month of Ramadan. As a result,
individuals experience visual problems. Thus, getting at least 6 hours of sleep
each night is crucial to maintaining the health of your eyes because it will
help to prevent dry eyes.
Consume Healthfully
Maintaining good eyesight and vision requires a balanced
diet. Thus, try to eat plenty at suhoor and iftar and high-nutrition foods like
oranges, green vegetables, eggs, nuts, beans, tuna, fish, and so on.
Give Up Smoking
Smoking destroys the tissues in the eyes, increasing the
chance of AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and causing double trouble for
smokers. Ramadan is a great time to cleanse both the body and the soul.
Therefore, giving up smoking can improve your eye health.
Verify Your Blood Sugar Level
One of the worst conditions that can lead to blindness is
diabetic retinopathy; individuals with diabetes must control their blood sugar
levels with medication and a balanced diet. Patients with sugar overload should
take care of themselves and stay away from sugar-filled items.
Frequent Exercise
As we all know, exercise is one of the best things we can do
to maintain the health and integrity of our bodies. Regular exercise can
improve your vision and help you avoid various health problems, even during Ramadan.
Frequent exercise can be beneficial because conditions like high blood pressure
and cholesterol can impact eye health.
Speak With An Eye Care Expert
Consider consulting an eye care expert if you have severe or
ongoing dry eyes during Ramadan. They can offer tailored advice and recommend
appropriate plans of action.
How To Take Care Of Dry Eyes During Ramadan?
The most crucial thing you can do to protect your eyes
during a fast is to continue consuming a lot of water and eating a healthy meal
after dusk. Dry eye syndrome may be a severe disease. Therefore, you should
always have it checked out by a specialist if you experience any symptoms.
Since our eyes are such delicate organs, taking good care of them is crucial. However,
there are steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy generally and avoid
dryness:
Apply Artificial Teardrops To Your Eyes
They can maintain the surface lubricated and provide the
eyes with artificial tears.
Steer Clear Of Irritants
Avoid places with a lot of smoke or dust to prevent
irritating dry eyes.
Reduce The Air Conditioning
When you can, try to get some fresh air outside because the
intense AC might dry up your eyes.
Cut Back On Screen Time
Long-term screen staring causes us to blink less frequently
than we should, which might dry up our eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink
correctly and attempt to look away for a minimum of thirty seconds regularly.
Put On Some Sunglasses
Invest in a good pair of sunglasses to completely shield
your eyes from the sun and flying debris. Take care of your eyes throughout
Ramadan. Always consult a physician immediately if you have any adverse effects
of dry eye syndrome adverse effects of.
Finally
To sum up, maintaining good health is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes. If you fast throughout Ramadan, you must heed this advice to protect your eye health. Individuals often susceptible to severe ocular issues should speak with their doctor. Speak with the eye doctor about uncommon symptoms like hazy vision or vision loss. To preserve the health of their eyes, everyone should undergo regular eye exams performed by licensed medical professionals.