Ramadan is a sacred month observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, involving fasting from dawn until sunset. While this spiritual practice brings many benefits, changes to eating, hydration, and sleep patterns can have unexpected effects on your body — including your eyes.
Understanding how fasting impacts your vision and taking simple precautions can help you maintain healthy, comfortable eyes throughout this holy month. Whether you are observing Ramadan for the first time or have fasted for many years, caring for your eye health during this period is essential for your comfort and wellbeing.
How Fasting Affects Your Eyes
During Ramadan, your body adapts to extended periods without food or water. These changes can influence several aspects of your health, including your vision. The most common eye-related effects of fasting include:
Dehydration and Dry Eyes
When you abstain from drinking fluids for long periods, your entire body becomes dehydrated — and your eyes are no exception. The tear film that keeps your eyes moist and comfortable can become compromised, leading to dry, gritty, or irritated eyes. These symptoms are often most noticeable in the late afternoon, just before iftar.
Changes in Blood Sugar Levels
Fasting causes fluctuations in blood glucose levels throughout the day. For most healthy individuals, these changes are temporary and harmless. However, if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, blood sugar fluctuations can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes and temporarily blur vision, particularly when levels drop too low or rise quickly after breaking the fast.
Altered Sleep Patterns
Early mornings for suhoor and later nights for tarawih prayers can disrupt normal sleep routines. Reduced or fragmented sleep can lead to tired, strained eyes, increased light sensitivity, and reduced tear production, making your eyes feel heavy or fatigued.
Reduced Blinking and Eye Strain
Many people spend more time reading the Quran or using digital devices during Ramadan. Extended near work and screen use reduce blinking rates, which — when combined with dehydration — can worsen eye strain and dry eye symptoms.
Common Eye Problems During Ramadan
Most eye-related issues during Ramadan are temporary and manageable. Common complaints include:
- Persistent dry eye symptoms, such as burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation
- Red or irritated eyes
- Blurred vision, particularly later in the day
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Headaches linked to dehydration or eye strain
- Watery eyes, which can paradoxically occur when eyes are too dry
- Difficulty focusing during prolonged reading
These symptoms often improve once you break your fast and rehydrate. However, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
Essential Tips for Protecting Your Eyes During Ramadan
Taking proactive steps can help you maintain clear, comfortable vision throughout the month.
Optimise Your Hydration
Rather than drinking large amounts of water at once, spread your fluid intake evenly between iftar and suhoor. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water overnight, and include water-rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens. Limit excessive caffeine, as it can contribute to dehydration.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Preservative-free artificial tears can significantly relieve dry eye symptoms and are permissible during fasting, as they do not break the fast. Keep them with you during the day, especially if you work in air-conditioned environments or spend time on screens.
Manage Screen Time Wisely
Where possible, reduce screen use during fasting hours. When using digital devices, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness, reduce glare, and enable blue-light filters to minimise eye strain.
Prioritise Quality Sleep
Even if your sleep schedule changes, aim for a total of 6–7 hours of rest each day. Short daytime naps can help compensate for disrupted nighttime sleep. Creating a cool, dark, screen-free sleep environment will also benefit your eyes.
Protect Your Eyes Outdoors
Fasting can increase light sensitivity. Wear sunglasses with full UV protection when outdoors, particularly during bright afternoon hours, to reduce glare and eye strain.
Be Mindful During Quran Reading
Extended reading sessions can strain your eyes. Ensure good lighting, hold reading material at a comfortable distance (around 40–50cm), take regular breaks, and consider larger-print text if you find yourself squinting.
Maintain Balanced Nutrition
Support eye health with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and antioxidants. Include oily fish, nuts, leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, and peppers in your suhoor and iftar meals. Avoid excessively heavy or oily foods that can leave you feeling sluggish.
Special Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lenses can feel less comfortable during Ramadan due to reduced tear production. You may wish to:
- Switch to daily disposable lenses
- Reduce wearing time or alternate with glasses
- Use contact-lens-compatible eye drops
- Maintain meticulous lens hygiene
- Avoid sleeping in lenses unless specifically prescribed
If discomfort persists, wearing glasses throughout Ramadan may be the healthiest option.
Important Guidance for People with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, fasting requires additional care. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect your vision and increase the risk of diabetic eye disease progression.
Before Ramadan:
- Consult your doctor or diabetes specialist
- Have a comprehensive eye examination
- Learn to recognise warning signs such as floaters, flashes, or sudden vision changes
- Monitor blood sugar closely and know when to break your fast
If you experience sudden visual changes, blurred vision, or new spots in your vision, break your fast and seek medical attention immediately.
When to Seek Professional Eye Care
Seek professional advice if you experience:
- Sudden or significant vision loss
- Persistent eye pain
- Severe redness or discharge
- Flashes of light or new floaters
- Double vision or shadowing
- Symptoms that persist despite rehydration
Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.
Fasting Safely While Protecting Your Vision
Ramadan is a time of reflection, balance, and wellbeing. Caring for your eyes is not only permitted but encouraged. By staying hydrated during non-fasting hours, managing screen time, resting adequately, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can observe your fast comfortably and confidently.
Call to Action
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Book a comprehensive eye examination today and take the first step towards clearer vision — during Ramadan and beyond.
Ramadan Mubarak to all observing this blessed month.
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