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PURPOSE: To determine the effects of Islamic religious fasting on intraocular pressure. METHODS: The authors measured diurnal intraocular pressure values during religious fasting and one month later in 38 healthy male volunteers with a mean age of 22.4 ± 2.7 years. Body weight and urine specific gravity were determined to assess the extent of dehydration caused by fasting. RESULTS: Although each patient had weight loss (0.1-1.4 kg), representing a slight dehydration caused by fasting, intraocular pressure values were not statistically different between fasting and nonfasting periods (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fasting did not alter diurnal intraocular pressure values in healthy people.
Dr. O. Kayikcioglu, Department of Ophthalmology, Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey