Effect of fasting on intraocular pressure in glaucomatous patients

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the effect of intermittent fasting and dehydration on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients under glaucoma treatment. Patients and methods The present study was conducted on 36 glaucoma cases and 30 healthy controls of matched age and sex. IOP measurements with Goldmann applanation tonometer were taken 1 week before fasting (at 8.00 a.m.), during Ramadan fasting (first, second, third, and fourth week) (at 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.), and 1 week after Ramadan during the nonfasting period (at 8.00 a.m.). Results The study was conducted on 36 glaucoma cases; their mean age was 47.3 years. There were 12 (33.3%) men and 24 (66.7%) women and 30 healthy participants, their mean age was 47.7 years. There were 11 (36.7%) men and 19 (63.3%) women. There was gradual decrease in IOP with fasting, in both glaucomatous cases and control groups, with no significant differences in IOP between groups during fasting. Glaucoma cases showed significantly higher percentage change in IOP (either improvement or deterioration) when compared with the control group. Conclusion Our results showed that fasting during Ramadan has a lowering effect on IOP values in healthy controls and glaucomatous patients. Glaucoma cases showed significantly higher percentage change in IOP when compared with the control group.