Religious practices can affect compliance with ocular treatment, say researchers in England. Fasting, in particular, can reduce compliance. In the study, presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in November, researchers analyzed 350 surveys completed by 50 members of each the worlds major faiths: Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, Judaism, Bahai and Buddhism. The survey asked about patient compliance in relation to fasting. Results showed that the majority of patients who self-identified as Hindus, Muslims and Jains said that the use of eye drops during their fasting hours would break their fast, so they would not use drops while fasting. (Fasting is mandatory for Muslims during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadan. For Hindus, fasting is generally voluntary.) The majority of Christian, Buddhist, Bahai and Jewish respondents said that using eye drops would not break their fast, so they would use eye drops during fasting.

 

Peg Achenbach, O.D., has joined Vistakon as Senior Director, Professional & Medical Affairs. Dr. Achenbach will lead the companys Medical Affairs group and also will direct the team at The Vision Care Institute, a Johnson & Johnson Company.