HUBUNGAN PUASA RAMADHAN DENGAN KEJADIAN MATA KERING (DRY EYE) PADA SUBJEK USIA MUDA

Background: Dry eye is an abnormal tear condition that cannot lubricate the cornea surface. Dry eyes could reduce visual function, physical and social functions, which constantly and severely affect daily activities, work productivity, direct and indirect costs of disease and quality of life. Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims fast everyday without eating and drinking from dawn to sunset. Fasting duration related to country geography and country season in that month. The change of eating frequency during Ramadhan fasting can affect human health. Water intake during the change of eating habits can affect Intraocular Pressure (IOP), tear secretion, and also affect to visual system, triggered by decrease of insulin secretion and increase of glucagon, and sympathetic activity. Method: This study aimed at the relationship between Ramadhan fasting and the incidence of dry eye syndrome, so that the research design used was analyticnumeric with quasi experimental research methods. The population in this study were male individu aged 10 to 21 and without any eye abnormalities, while based on calculations obtained 50 people as research samples. Data collection in this study used Schirmer Test, while data analysis was carried out by normality test then Paired Sample T Test if the result is normal and Wilcoxon if the result is abnormal. Results: The result of Wilcoxon Test on this research showed a significance value < 0,05 that is 0,002. That result means that there is a significant difference statistically between Schirmer Test result on Ramadhan fasting group and nonfasting group. Conclusion: There is a statistically significant relationship between Ramadhan fasting and the incidence of dry eye syndrome, that is p = 0,002 (p<0.05).