With the arrival of Ramadan, complaints such as blurred vision, flashes of light, and the sudden appearance of black spots or floaters may increase. These visual symptoms can be important warning signs of previously undiagnosed retinal diseases.

Prolonged fasting and sudden blood sugar fluctuations after iftar require special attention in terms of eye health. Undiagnosed diabetes and diabetes-related diabetic retinopathy may begin to show their first signals as dietary patterns change during Ramadan.

Associate Professor Burak Erden states that diabetic retinopathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and often progresses silently. During prolonged fasting, blood sugar fluctuations may occur. If a person has undiagnosed diabetes, these fluctuations can lead to leakage or dilation in the capillaries of the retina, the most sensitive layer of the eye. Symptoms may present as blurred vision or light flashes. Diabetic retinopathy is among the most serious complications of diabetes that can result in vision loss. The earlier it is diagnosed, the greater the chance of preventing progression or treating existing damage.

Examination before ramadan is critical
Associate Professor Burak Erden says: “Many eye diseases, particularly retinopathy, may progress in early stages without any noticeable symptoms. Routine eye examinations therefore play a crucial role. Timely examinations allow early diagnosis of many ocular conditions. Undiagnosed diabetes, vascular damage caused by hypertension, and glaucoma risk can be detected during a comprehensive check-up. Changes in metabolism and decreased fluid intake during Ramadan may alter intraocular balance, making pre-fasting examinations especially important.”

Risk of permanent vision loss
“Diabetes can cause hemorrhages in the retina and macular edema. If not detected in time, these conditions may lead to permanent vision loss. In cases diagnosed early, vision loss can often be prevented. However, many patients delay examinations until significant damage has already occurred, resulting in irreversible consequences” says Associate Professor Burak Erden.

Damage to retinal capillaries
Associate Professor Burak Erden also states that diabetic retinopathy may cause vision loss of up to 90 percent. Diabetes disrupts the structure of retinal capillaries, leading to cell loss, increased vascular permeability, and fluid accumulation in the macula. He adds: “Over time, new vessels may form in the retina. These vessels can bleed and lead to membrane formation inside the eye. As a result, severe vision loss and painful increases in intraocular pressure may occur.”

Dry eye may also intensify with fasting
In addition to retinal diseases, dry eye symptoms may also become more pronounced during Ramadan. Associate Professor Burak Erden says: “Prolonged dehydration can reduce tear quality, leading to severe dryness and blurred vision. Individuals with a family history of diabetes, those over the age of 40, and patients with high myopia are strongly advised to undergo a comprehensive eye examination before Ramadan.”

February 2026

According to experts, 83 percent of success in the learning process is related to vision. In Turkey, one in three children has a vision disorder, and if not detected early, these conditions may permanently affect both academic performance and eye health.

Experts emphasize that a decline in academic performance in children should not always be attributed to learning difficulties. Associate Professor Osman Bulut Ocak, an ophthalmologist at Dünyagöz Etiler Hospital, states that one in three children in Turkey has either distance or near vision problems. Many children fall behind in school not because of learning deficiencies, but because they cannot see clearly. Vision accounts for 83 percent of the learning process. If vision disorders are not detected early, permanent problems such as amblyopia, which becomes more difficult to treat in later years, may develop. Regular eye examinations during school age are therefore of great importance.

The most common eye problems in children include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, strabismus, and amblyopia. Warning signs for families include difficulty seeing the board clearly, skipping lines while reading, squinting, sitting too close to the television, frequent eye rubbing, headaches, and fatigue during study sessions. Digital screen use also negatively affects eye health. Spending extended periods in front of tablets, smartphones, and computers may cause eye strain, dryness, and latent ocular deviations. Screen time should not exceed one hour per day for children up to age five and should be limited to 1.5 to 2 hours for children aged seven and older.

Healthy vision is one of the cornerstones of academic success. Children should undergo regular eye examinations both before starting school and throughout their education. Even a simple vision screening during the educational process can help a child begin school life with greater confidence and stronger performance. Experts recommend at least one comprehensive eye examination per year as the most effective preventive measure.

February 2026

Eye injuries are often perceived as minor accidents, yet incorrect or delayed intervention can lead to permanent vision loss. The first step in protecting eye health is taking the right action at the right time.

Common eye injuries that occur at home or in the workplace are frequently dismissed as simple incidents that can be resolved by rinsing with water. If there is no redness or noticeable vision loss, seeking emergency care or consulting an ophthalmologist is often postponed. However, every minute lost in cases of eye trauma can result in prolonged treatment and even permanent visual impairment. Scratches on the cornea or microscopic damage caused by foreign objects entering the eye may not be visible to the naked eye, yet over time they can significantly reduce visual quality.

First Step in Eye Injuries Can Be Vision-Saving
Eye injuries can occur for many different reasons, ranging from a baby’s or pet’s nails to chemical exposure, sports-related impacts, or fragments of glass and porcelain entering the eye when objects break. Regardless of the cause, if symptoms such as pain, tearing, redness, blurred vision, bruising, or bleeding are present, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Specialists summarize the basic first-aid recommendations as follows:

• If there is severe pain, stinging, or blurred vision, keep the eye closed and seek medical care as soon as possible without using drops or ointments.
• In cases involving small particles such as sand or dust, gently rinse the eye with clean water. If symptoms persist, a medical examination is necessary.
• If the eye comes into contact with metal, glass, or other hard objects, do not rub the eye and consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
• For blunt trauma, a cold compress may be applied. If bruising or visual disturbance develops, professional evaluation is essential.
• In cases of penetrating or sharp injuries, do not rinse the eye. Keep it lightly closed and wait for medical assistance.
• If the eye is exposed to chemicals, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and go to the emergency room immediately.

In eye injuries, prompt and appropriate intervention is the most important key to protecting your vision.

February 2026