​Muslims fasting during Ramadan are being advised not to stop taking eye drop medication if they have Glaucoma.

The International Glaucoma Association advises patients to continue with their medication because it could see them go blind.

Even stopping them for a short period of time could cause major sight issues.

Many believe using eye drops will see them break their fast so stop using them - but eventually stop using them altogether if they do not perceive a change.

Ramadan lasts from May 15 to Thursday June 14.

It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and worshippers abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, improvements and increased devotion of worship.

Subhash Suthar, IGA development manager, comments: “We want to reassure the Muslim community that drops can be taken before dawn and after sunset (known as Suhoor and Iftar), when food and drink can be consumed.

"We also suggest that patients close the tear duct when taking eye drops (known as punctual occlusion) as this means that fluid stays in the eye and does not drain into the throat and so cannot be tasted.

"This is achieved by putting finger pressure at the corner of the eye next to the nose (punctual occlusion) immediately after instilling drops. It is distressing when patients realise through a follow up appointment at their ophthalmologist or optometrist that their vision has been damaged through stopping drops. ”