All Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk for 30 days during the holy month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. On the Gregorian calendar of the solar system, Ramadan advances by about 11 days annually, so Muslims observe Ramadan at various times of the year throughout their lives.
Why do people fast during Ramadan?
The fasting is intended to remind Muslims of the disadvantaged and reinforce the need for gratitude. As one of his five pillars or obligations of Islam, fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims.
The elderly, those who are physically or psychologically unable of fasting, young children who have not yet reached puberty, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people who are on the go are exceptions. When someone fasts during Ramadan, they refrain from eating or drinking anything between dawn and sunset, even water and gum.
Muslims are advised to take a pre-fasting meal called suhoor before dawn. This meal often resembles breakfast, but it may include more dinner-like food in some cultures. After sunset, Muslims break the fast with iftar. Dinner is typically served after dates and water or milk in the morning. Between these two meals in the evening, Muslims are permitted to nibble and are advised to remain hydrated, particularly if Ramadan occurs in the heat.
Fasting and blurred vision
Fasting during Ramadan includes not eating for hours or limiting yourself to one or two meals a day. It is similar to intermittent fasting. Yet according to the eye doctors in Dubai, intermittent fasting can cause your blood sugar to fluctuate up and down like any calorie-restricted diet.
When you go without food for a long time, such as during fasting, your body may run out of energy and your blood sugar levels may fall, she explains. No, although blood sugar levels at the lower end of the normal range can make you tremble, feel fatigued, and make you feel sleepy in your mind.
If you notice vision problems after starting a new eating plan, it doesn’t mean you should stop dieting. Anytime you have blurred vision, you should see your doctor to determine the cause, and diet should be adjusted to prevent further deterioration of fluid status.
Consult an eye specialist for vision treatment.
Guidelines for maintaining eye health during Ramadan
Proper lifestyle, including exercise, diet, hydration, sun protection, sleep, and regular check-ups (especially in older and younger families) are central to eye health.
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Hydration
For those fasting during Ramadan, make sure she drinks 2.5 liters of water before and after fasting to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause or make dry eyes worse.
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Sleep
Lack of sleep during Ramadan can cause eye problems for those who observe the fast. At least she recommends six hours of sleep. Failure to do so can lead to dry and tired eyes.
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Fasting and eating well for good eyesight
To protect your eyes, start with a balanced diet with special attention to nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E. Studies show that these nutrients are good for the eyes and may help prevent age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and delayed cataracts.
During suhoor and iftar, keep your eyes healthy by balancing your diet and eating the following foods regularly.
- Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish
- Eggs, almonds, beans, and other types of plant-based protein
- Oranges, other citrus fruits or juices;
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Don’t skip any exercise
Exercise is beneficial for general health and lowers the risk of a number of common eye conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. It reduces intraocular pressure, a significant contributor to eye illness. High blood pressure and excessive cholesterol are other factors that contribute to vision issues and eye illnesses. Moreover, exercise improves blood flow to the retina and optic nerve. The two most significant actions you can do to decrease both are eating a healthy diet and exercising frequently.
Conclusion
Several studies have looked at how fasting affects different ocular metrics, but none have included individuals with glaucoma, ocular vascular damage, lacrimal gland dysfunction, or low vision. Or there are only limited ones. Such studies are necessary to make definitive decisions before declaring fasting safe for these patients.
Additional scientific research on eye problems during Ramadan fasting is needed as hundreds of millions of people may observe Ramadan fasting each year. Physicians treating Muslims in sensitive areas should be aware of the physiological changes during Ramadan and the impact of Ramadan fasting on various eye problems and medications. Be sure to visit the best eye doctor in Dubai for professional advice and treatment.
