'Punctual Occlusion' helps Glaucoma during Ramadan

Monday 13th May 2019 08:04 EDT
 
 

A campaign has been launched by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) following hospital and patient feedback indicating that some Muslims suffering Glaucoma have stopped using their eye drops during Ramadan putting their vision at risk.

Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve is damaged by the pressure of the fluid inside the eye and it leaves the back of the eye. This nerve carries information about what is being seen from the eye to the brain and as it becomes damaged vision is lost. Glaucoma is more common in people over the age of 40 and as there are no early symptoms of glaucoma, and regular eye health checks are recommended.

But, according to the IGA, some Muslim glaucoma patients stop using eye drops during Ramadan, as they believe that any liquid trickling down the back of their throat and therefore entering the body cavity, breaks their fast. This campaign advises Muslims on how to put in eye drops without breaking their fast using a method known as 'punctal occlusion'.

“I urge Muslim glaucoma patients to continue their glaucoma drops during Ramadan. Glaucoma can slowly damage the optic nerve in the eye reducing vision and causing visual field loss, without a person even realising if the eye pressure is not controlled for even a short period of time such as during Ramadan,” said Usman Shaikh BSc (HONS) Prof Cert Med Ret, Muslim Doctors Association.

In this process, 'punctual occlusion', patients close the tear duct by applying finger pressure at the corner of the eye next to the nose immediately after putting in drops. This means that fluid stays in the eye and does not drain into the throat and so cannot be tasted. The materials will be distributed to mosques, pharmacies and hospitals and are also available to order from the IGA.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) supports the IGA’s Ramadan campaign to raise awareness of this issue, confirming that all Islamic Schools Of Thought agree that using eye drops does not invalidate the fast unless the eye drops reach the throat, which is unlikely. Concerned Muslims can put in their drops before dawn (suhoor) or after dusk (iftar).

“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 but we know from calls to our helpline Sightline and from discussions with opticians and hospitals that some Muslim patients stop using their drops during Ramadan for fear of breaking their fast.

“We’re therefore encouraging all Muslim glaucoma patients to take note of how to manage their drops throughout the month,” said Subhash Suthar, IGA Development Manager.

The IGA estimates there are at least 50,000 Muslims with glaucoma in the UK, while those with suspected glaucoma or ocular hypertension may number up to 140,000. For more information on the IGA call 01233 64 81 64 or visit


comments powered by Disqus



to the free, weekly Asian Voice email newsletter