Eyes drops vital during Ramadan

 The International Glaucoma Association is advising Muslim glaucoma patients not to stop taking eye drop medication during Ramadan - which began this Tuesday (May 15) - as stopping drops even for a short period of time can cause permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually by 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. The IGA is working with the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) to raise awareness of this issue. Next month (12-18 June) will mark National Glaucoma Awareness Week and anyone planning a summer holiday is advised to take their eye drops with them, as some patients either forget to take their drops with them, or think it will be fine to stop taking them while away, which could lead to serious sight loss.