During Ramadan, many people hesitate to use eye drops due to fear of breaking the fast. This concern often leads patients to delay treatment, even though eye health must still be maintained during fasting.

Medically, eye drops act directly on the eye surface. The liquid spreads across the cornea and conjunctiva to maintain moisture or treat infections. A very small amount may drain into the nasal cavity, but it does not provide nutritional value.

In medical understanding, fasting is invalidated only when substances enter the body through eating or drinking pathways and provide nutrition. Eye drops do not follow this route and therefore do not break the fast.

Most contemporary Islamic scholars also agree that eye drops do not invalidate fasting because they are not consumed as food or drink. Patients with dry eye, allergies, infections, or post surgery care can continue using prescribed drops.

Dry eye risk increases during Ramadan due to sleep changes and reduced daytime hydration. If untreated, symptoms may include irritation, redness, and temporary blurred vision.

For comfort, eye drops can be applied after suhoor and after iftar as recommended by a doctor. Always wash hands before application and avoid touching the bottle tip to the eye.

Check your eye health now at Mayapada Eye Centre.