Therapeutic Compliance in Ophthalmology During the Month of Ramadan: A Clinical Study of 50 Cases (Ramadan 2025)
Abstract:
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of Ramadan fasting on therapeutic compliance among ophthalmic patients, focusing on three clinical situations: chronic glaucoma, postoperative care, and dry eye disease.
Methods: A prospective descriptive study conducted on 50 patients during the month of Ramadan 2025 at the ophthalmology departments of Rabat and Laâyoune.
Results: The mean age was 56 years (24–78), with a slight female predominance (58%). Glaucoma represented 44% of cases, postoperative follow-up 32%, and dry eye 24%. A decrease in compliance was noted in 40% of patients, mainly due to the belief that eye drops break the fast (65% of non-compliant cases). The most affected treatments were daytime instillations, particularly antiglaucoma drops.
Conclusion: Ramadan fasting significantly affects therapeutic adherence in ophthalmology. Targeted education and adjustment of instillation schedules can help preserve therapeutic efficacy, especially in glaucoma patients.
KeyWords:
Compliance; Ramadan; Glaucoma; Eye drops; Postoperative care; Dry eye.
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