Ramadan advice from Glaucoma UK and Diabetes UK
The holy month of Ramadan starts on or around Friday 28 February 2025, and Glaucoma UK and Diabetes UK have advice on use of eye drops and fasting for people with sight loss at this time.
Glaucoma is a lifetime condition that can cause sight loss and blindness if unchecked, and the most common control mechanism is prescribed eye-drops that prevent pressure in the eye getting so high that it affects the optic nerve. Once sight is lost, it cannot be recovered, and Glaucoma UK advises that, if you have been prescribed drops for your glaucoma, it is essential you continue to take them throughout Ramadan to prevent damage to your sight. You can find out more on the Glaucoma UK website or ring their helpline on 01233 64 81 70.
Diabetes UK advises that, if you are living with diabetes complications such as poor vision, nerve damage, heart or kidney disease, there is a high risk that fasting could make these health conditions worse. It is important to discuss with your healthcare team how living with diabetes and following Ramadan could put your health at risk. They have a range of information on their website, and you can also ring their helpline, 0345 123 2399.
The Muslim Council of Britain has issued a 'Ramadan Health Factsheet 2025' which you can read here.
Posted on the 17th of February 2025