Taking care of our eye vision is essential for maintaining our eye health. A common eye problem known is as squinting. While the term ‘squint’ might conjure images of someone screwing up their eyes to see better, (known medically as strabismus) in medical terms, it refers to a misalignment of the eyes where they point in different directions.
The physical, psychological and emotional impacts of living with a squint and how having a squint can disadvantage a person in many areas of their life which could result in potential eye surgery in the future. Prevention is better than cure and eye care is essential for maintaining good vision and eye health. Eye care and vision are all interconnected when it comes to maintaining healthy eyes, it is important to understand the causes of squinting and how to care for your eyes to avoid any other potential vision problems.
Causes of Squinting
Improper eye alignment, muscle weakness, nerve damage. Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, genetics and eye injuries. There are many simple yet effective ways to keep your eyes healthy and in optimal condition. By following these tips, you can protect your vision and prevent eye problems in the future.
Preventive Measures
By following these simple tips, you can maintain optimal eye health and enjoy clear vision for years to come. Remember to incorporate these practices into your daily routine to ensure the long-term health of your eyes.
Regular eye examinations, use of prescribed glasses or contact lenses, protecting eyes from harmful UV rays, avoiding excessive screen time.
Treatment Options
Treatments such as eye exercises, surgery, botox injections, can also be incorporated into your routine.
Home Remedies
There are also a few home remedies that can help with squinting eye care:
Eating a Healthy Diet
Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help promote good eye health. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for the eyes. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can also support eye health.
Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun
Wearing UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors can shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to provide maximum protection. Wide-brimmed hats can also help protect your eyes from sun exposure.
Getting Regular Eye Exams
A particular emphasis would be in getting regular eye exams which are essential for detecting any potential eye problems early on. Schedule eye exams at least once a year, or as recommended by your eye care provider. Eye exams can also help detect conditions like glaucoma and cataracts before they progress.
Maintaining Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene habits can help prevent eye infections and irritations. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Replace contact lenses as recommended and follow proper hygiene practices when using them.
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The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins Friday 28 February and ends Wednesday 30 March, 2025. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs.
Among the estimated population of 50,000 Muslims living with glaucoma in the UK, research has shown that almost half (45.5%) believe that using eye drops during Ramadan may break the fast, especially when the excess drop drains down the back of the throat and can be tasted. For people who rely on eye drops to manage their glaucoma, this concern can lead to uncertainty about whether using eye drops invalidates the fast. Therefore, they may stop using their drops or take them erratically during the month, risking permanent damage to their vision.
Glaucoma is the name of a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve transfers visual information from the eye to the brain and if it’s damaged, it can result in sight loss and even blindness. Glaucoma is often caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye. This causes pressure in the eye (called intraocular pressure or IOP) to increase which damages the optic nerve. Eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma. They decrease the amount of fluid in the eye, either by increasing the drainage of fluid out of the eye, or by reducing the amount of fluid that is made.
Managing glaucoma eye drops while fasting during Ramadan can be challenging due to these concerns and uncertainties. However, according to the majority of Islamic scholars, eye drops are not considered to break the fast. It’s important for individuals with glaucoma to feel able to consult with religious authorities, healthcare professionals or organisations such as Glaucoma UK for guidance on managing their condition effectively while observing the fast during Ramadan.
A practical way to ensure that eye drop medication stays in your eye and doesn’t reach your throat, is to use punctal occlusion. This involves putting finger pressure at the corner of the eye, next to the nose, immediately after putting in drops and holding this for up to two minutes. This is generally good practice for anyone with glaucoma as it will ensure the eye drop stays in the eye where it can do its job and protect your vision.
For anyone who is still worried about using their eye drops during fasting hours, Glaucoma UK and partner organisations are encouraging them to use their drops between Iftar and Suhoor.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain groups of people are at a higher risk.
Many people with glaucoma may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Routine eye tests are crucial to detecting glaucoma at an early stage. If caught early, glaucoma can often be treated and managed effectively, helping to preserve your vision.
Glaucoma UK is working with healthcare professionals and partner organisations to share the Ramadan campaign poster and other campaign materials with their communities to encourage Muslims living with glaucoma to keep using their eye drops during Ramadan.
For more information, advice and handy tips, visit: glaucoma.uk/ramadan