Comprehensive evaluation of dehydration impact on ocular tissue during Ramadan fasting

The present study aimed to review the effect of dehydration during Ramadan fasting on the health and ocular parameters leading to changes in eye function. Articles included in the study were taken from PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science and Google Scholar up to 2014. Related articles were also obtained from scientific journals on fasting and vision system. Dehydration and nutrition changes in Ramadan cause an increase in tear osmolarity, ocular aberration, anterior chamber depth, IOL measurement, central corneal thickness, retinal and choroidal thickness, and also a decrease in IOP, tear secretion, and vitreous thickness. Much research related to the effect of dehydration on ocular parameters during Ramadan fasting exists. The findings reveal association with significant changes on ocular parameters. Thus, it seems requisite to have a comprehensive study on "fasting and ocular parameters", which will be helpful in making decisions and giving plan to the patients

Valuation of ocular accommodation, convergence and fusional vergence changes during Ramadan

There are a few researches regarding the effects of Islamic fasting on visual system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on the amplitude of accommodation [AA], near point of convergence [NPC], positive and negative fusional vergences [PFV and NFV, respectively] in visually healthy fasters. AA, NPC, PFV and NFV at far [6m] and near [40cm] were measured in 30 male students. Nutritional habits in a week before each examination visit were assessed with the Food Frequency Questionnaire [FFQ]. Mean age and fasting average experience were 23.9 and 10 years, respectively. AA and NPC showed significant changes [p<0.05] during Ramadan; but there was no significant difference before and after Ramadan in these parameters. NFV blur, break and recovery points at far significantly reduced in Ramadan than before [p=0.003, p=0.005, p=0.003, respectively] with insignificant compensation after Ramadan. Results showed that there was no significant correlation between changes in diet pattern and AA, NPC and distant NFV variations [p<0.05]. Some visual problems may be reported at far and near visual tasks during Ramadan; but most of the problems may be resolved after it. Some visual preparations may be needed for more effective visual activities during Ramadan; essentially for students with intensive visual tasks. Vision therapy may be suggested along with nutrient pattern improvement during Ramadan