Ramadan and eye drops: attitudes and practices of Malay Muslims in Singapore.

Dear Editor, One of the 5 fundamental rituals of Islam is fasting during the month of Ramadan. Islamic fasting requires abstinence from food, water, smoking and sexual intercourse between dawn and sunset.1 Different schools of Islamic teachings have different views on the effect of illness on fasting ranging from prohibiting fasting to leaving the option to fast to the believers.2 Thus, fasting is not mandatory for those who are unwell or when adverse to their health. However, despite this, many Muslim patients still choose to fast despite recommendations to the contrary by their physicians or religious leaders.3-5 Previous studies have found high rates of poor adherence to prescribed drug regime and lifestyles during the fasting month of Ramadan, often with undesirable outcomes.4 Kumar et al have studied the views of the Muslims in the United Kingdom (UK) and India on the use of eye drops during the fasting month of Ramadan.5 They found that Ramadan could be an important cause of non-adherence with prescribed ophthalmic treatment. However, despite the sizeable Muslim population in Singapore, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of the views of the local Muslims towards the use of eye drops during Ramadan. This is the fi rst study that explores the use of eye medications during Ramadan in Singapore.