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Vision and devotion: A comprehensive guide to eye care
Protecting retinal health, ocular hydration, and pressure control during Ramadan 2026
- PUBLISHED: Mon 16 Feb 2026, 12:01 PM
As our communities enter the spiritual journey of Ramadan 2026, the shift in daily habits — fasting, altered sleep cycles, and late-night gatherings presents unique health considerations. We believe that preserving your vision is essential to fully experiencing the blessings of this month.
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The Retina: Protecting Your Vision
Dr Nicola Ghazi, MD
Medical Director
Fasting can support improved metabolic health, making Ramadan a time of renewal and rejuvenation. The retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye — requires particular attention in individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes.
Although fasting may improve metabolic control, properly breaking the fast at Iftar is crucial to maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for those with diabetic retinopathy, a potentially vision-threatening condition. Dramatic fluctuations in glucose levels between fasting hours and a heavy Iftar meal can negatively affect the tiny blood vessels in the retina.
My advice is to avoid breaking your fast with sugary foods, as they can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, potentially worsening diabetes and increasing hunger and overconsumption of calories. Instead, aim for balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A protein-rich Suhoor, along with adequate fluid intake, may help maintain steadier blood sugar levels throughout the day and reduce hunger.
Please consult your diabetes specialist for personalised medical advice. If you notice a sudden decrease in vision, new “floaters,” or a curtain-like shadow across your field of vision, do not wait until Eid — seek medical evaluation immediately.
Glaucoma: The Importance of Pressure Control
Dr Jason Goldsmith, MD
Head of Glaucoma Service
When managed appropriately, fasting — particularly with healthy weight loss can significantly improve metabolic health in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Done correctly, Ramadan can truly be a period of renewal.
Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” is characterised by elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve. For glaucoma patients, the most critical message this Ramadan is adherence to prescribed treatment.
A common concern is whether using medicated eye drops invalidates the fast. I would like to reassure patients that eye drops are not a source of nutrition and generally do not invalidate fasting. Skipping even a single dose, however, can result in a dangerous spike in eye pressure. To minimise systemic absorption, use the “punctal occlusion” technique — gently pressing the inner corner of the eye for one to two minutes after instilling drops. Consistency in treatment is essential to prevent irreversible vision loss.
The Cornea: Hydration and the Ocular Surface
Dr George Corrent, MD, PhD
Head of Cornea and Refractive Service
The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer and its first line of defense. In the arid climate of the UAE, dehydration during fasting hours can quickly manifest as dry eye disease. When the body is dehydrated, tear production decreases, leading to burning, grittiness, and intermittent blurred vision.
To help prevent dehydration-related dry eye symptoms while fasting, it is important to drink sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain a healthy tear film. I recommend a strategy of “pre-emptive hydration,” ensuring adequate fluid intake during non-fasting hours.
For those spending extended periods in prayer or in front of digital screens, preservative-free artificial tears can provide additional relief. By keeping the cornea properly hydrated, you help ensure that your vision remains clear and comfortable throughout the day.
— This article is written by the eye care specialists at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Abu Dhabi.