Yoga and eye pressure have become an important topic for people who practice yoga regularly, especially those diagnosed with glaucoma. Yoga can increase flexibility, improve well-being, and reduce stress, and it is practiced by millions of people to achieve mental and physical equilibrium. However, if you have glaucoma or have been advised to keep an eye on your pressure, you might have questions. Does yoga, pranayama, or inversions increase intraocular pressure (IOP)?
Before stepping onto a mat, let’s see what research shows and when to consult an eye specialist for glaucoma.
Understanding Eye Pressure and the Management of Glaucoma
Intraocular pressure (IOP) refers to the pressure caused by the fluid in the eye. When it comes to glaucoma, the objective is to manage and control the IOP and prevent damage to the optic nerve. This can be achieved through the use of eye drops and could also involve laser and/or conventional surgery. For example, a few lifestyle changes like good posture and exercise, can lower eye pressure.
This is why the eye-related effects of yoga are important to know.
Do Inversion Poses Raise Eye Pressure?
Inversions, which involve positioning the head below the heart, encompass several postures:
- Headstand (Sirsasana)
- Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
- The Classic Inverted V Pose (Downward Dog)
- Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani)
Research indicates that specific inversion poses induce a significant increase in intraocular pressure (IOP); however, this elevated pressure normalizes upon cessation of the pose.
However, for repeat offenders, the pressure spikes may cause problems for patients with glaucoma.
For patients on Glaucoma treatment, pressure spikes may even work against the treatment aimed at stabilizing the optic nerve. Because of this, most glaucoma specialists recommend that people with a history of glaucoma avoid head-down positions.
What About Pranayama and Breathing Techniques?
Controlled breathing or Pranayama, often accompanied by techniques such as deep diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing (Anulom Vilom ), and Bhramari, is known to lower stress levels and improve oxygen flow.
Stress is a known enemy of overall eye health, as elevated levels of stress hormones affect the blood flow to the optic nerve. However, some breathing exercises, such as Kapalbhati or Bhastrika, that are too forceful may pose a risk. When you strain while breathing or hold your breath, you are employing a Valsalva maneuver, which is known to raise the pressure in the eye temporarily.
Can Regular Yoga Help With Eye Health?
There are many possible benefits of non-inversion yoga practice:
- Boosts overall blood flow
- Overall wellness
Standing and gentle seated stretches, mindfulness, and breathing exercises are not likely to increase Intraocular pressure (IOP). In fact, some studies show that moderate aerobic exercise like walking, actually decreases eye pressure.
Additionally, yoga should not be used as a substitute for medical attention. Yoga cannot replace your prescribed treatment for Glaucoma. Lifestyle changes coupled with medical attention from your eye doctors for glaucoma (ophthalmologist) are important.
When Should You Avoid Certain Yoga Practices?
Avoid this practice if you:
- You have a strong family history of glaucoma.
- You experience unexplained vision loss.
- You have had glaucoma surgery.
In these scenarios, it may be advisable to speak to your glaucoma specialist before doing certain advanced yoga practices.
If you have not had a recent eye exam, you should see an eye doctor for glaucoma evaluation and to see if there are any early signs of glaucoma. The National Eye Institute reports that symptoms often do not appear until significant vision loss has occurred.
Yoga Guidelines for Glaucoma Patients
If you have glaucoma and want to continue doing yoga, please follow these guidelines:
- Avoid full headstands and full shoulder stands.
- In pranayama, opt for soft breathing methods rather than forceful ones.
- Make sure to inform your yoga teacher about your release.
- Do your glaucoma follow-ups.
The best eye specialist in India provides advice based on your personalized glaucoma treatment plan.
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits of yoga for both physical and mental health. However, certain yoga poses, such as postures that include your head being below your heart, can be dangerous, and even the very first time you do them can increase the pressure in your eyes. Glaucoma can cause even more severe damage to your eyes because every time the pressure in your eyes goes up, you risk damaging your optic nerve. Understanding how yoga and eye pressure interact can help people with glaucoma continue safe physical activity while protecting their vision.
If you are doing pranayama to relax, it should be gentle, without any breath-holding, and not forceful. Always follow the instructions of your doctor and do not change your glaucoma treatment.
Good choices and awareness of your vision are essential for your safety. Consult the glaucoma specialists and Best eye specialist in India if you experience any changes to your vision.
By taking proper precautions, you can achieve a compromise and safeguard your eye health.