13 research outputs found
Impact of Ramadan fasting on intraocular pressure, visual acuity and refractive errors
Introduction: Fasting evidently influences a variety
of physiological parameters that can impact the
ocular system. Among these modifications are
alterations in insulin secretion, sympathetic
activity, free fatty acids, lipid profile, melatonin,
cortisol, electrolytes and catecholamines. In this
study, we investigated the possible alterations
in intraocular pressure (10P), visual acuity and
refractive errors during Ramadan fasting.
Methods: 10P, visual acuity and refractive errors
of both eyes of volunteers were measured on the
first and last days of Ramadan (once in the morning
and evening). Body weight was measured so as to
estimate the amount of dehydration. Data from
the two examinations was analysed using one-way
analysis of variance. A p -value of less than 0.05 was
considered statistically significant.
Results: 58 healthy, fasting male volunteers with
a mean age of 40.7 +/- 7.1 years participated in
the study. Statistical analysis demonstrated no
difference in 10P, visual acuity or refractive errors
on the first and last days of Ramadan, or within a
single day (from morning to evening).
Conclusion: Our results reveal that Islamic
Ramadan fasting does not profoundly affect
physiological 10P, refractive error or visual acuity
values in healthy volunteers. However, more
detailed investigations using animal models should
be designed to evaluate whether fasting has a
pivotal influence on pathological conditions.
Keywords: body weight, intraocular pressure,
Ramadan fasting, refractive errors, visual acuit