Avoid Dry Eyes this Ramadan

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, for 30 days. There are many health benefits associated with fasting and following a well-balanced, healthy diet is important to maintain overall wellbeing during Holy Month.

Staying hydrated can be a little harder to manage, especially when Ramadan falls during the warmer summer months. Lack of water in the diet commonly causes headaches and tiredness, but it can also cause something called ‘dry eye syndrome’.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when our eyes can’t produce enough tears. Usually, our tear glands produce a constant supply of tears, which act as a thin, moist barrier over our eyes. This protective barrier helps the eye to flush out any dust or dirt and maintain its general health.

If we don’t produce tears, our eyes are vulnerable to any irritant that enters them. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, a stinging sensation and if not treated, can go on to cause more serious problems.

Fasting and dry eye

Water is required to help our bodies perform all its natural functions, including producing tears. As tears are made up of oil, mucus and predominantly water, if we aren’t drinking enough, the body struggles to produce them.

Supporting all these functions is a diet rich in nutrients, to keep us healthy. If we aren’t replenishing ourselves with lots of nutrients, our most sensitive organs, including the eyes, are at risk of infection and disease.

How to treat dry eye

The most important thing you can do to protect your eyes when fasting is to keep drinking lots of water and eat a well-balanced diet after sunset. If you do notice any symptoms of dry eye syndrome, you must always have it checked out by a doctor, as it can be a very serious condition. Our eyes are an extremely sensitive part of the body and maintaining proper eye care is essential.

But there are things you can do to help maintain the overall health of your eyes and prevent dryness:

• Use artificial tears eye drops: these can provide the eyes with substitute tears and keep the surface lubricated
• Avoid irritants: try to avoid areas that may have lots of dust or smoke, which can irritate dry eyes.
• Turn the AC down: harsh AC can dry out the eyes, so try to step outside for some fresh air when you can.
• Reduce screen time: when we stare at screens for long periods we don’t blink as often as we should, which can dry out our eyes. Try to look away regularly for at least 30 seconds and make a conscious effort to blink properly.
• Wear sunglasses: invest in a quality pair of sunglasses that give your eyes full protection from the sun and airborne elements.
• Look after your eyes this Ramadan. Always see a doctor immediately if you develop any serious side effects associated with dry eye syndrome.