According to a systematic review published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, relaxation exercises and meditation have the potential to improve intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. The review analyzed multiple studies and found that incorporating practices like meditation, visual imagery, and specific relaxation exercises could lead to significant reductions in IOP levels.
The systematic review conducted by a team led by Omar Zaher involved a comprehensive literature search through various databases and conferences. The researchers analyzed twelve articles that included 596 subjects qualitatively and five articles with 332 subjects quantitatively. The findings revealed that one hour of daily mindfulness meditation for three weeks resulted in the most significant reduction in IOP, with a remarkable decrease of 31.8%. Meditation consistently led to long-term reductions in IOP as well.
In addition to meditation, other relaxation techniques also showed promising results. Autogenic relaxation exercises exhibited a trend toward acute and long-term reduction in IOP. Ocular relaxation exercises combined with visual imagery of aqueous humor drainage also led to both acute and long-term decreases in IOP. However, the effects of yoga on IOP varied depending on the specific positions practiced.
These findings suggest that incorporating various relaxation techniques like meditation, visual imagery, autogenic relaxation exercises, and ocular relaxation exercises can significantly reduce IOP levels in glaucoma patients. This is particularly significant as elevated IOP is a key risk factor for glaucoma progression. While current treatments primarily focus on reducing IOP through medications or surgery, these non-pharmacological interventions could complement existing therapies.
The systematic review highlights the potential of relaxation exercises and meditation as complementary approaches in the management of glaucoma. However, the researchers emphasize the need for future randomized, controlled trials to further explore and confirm the effectiveness of these techniques.
The Bottom Line:
A systematic review published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that relaxation exercises and meditation may significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. Incorporating practices like meditation, visual imagery, autogenic relaxation exercises, and ocular relaxation exercises could complement existing treatments for glaucoma.
Key Points:
– A systematic review analyzed multiple studies and found that relaxation exercises and meditation have the potential to reduce IOP in glaucoma patients.
– One hour of daily mindfulness meditation for three weeks resulted in a significant reduction in IOP of 31.8%.
– Other relaxation techniques like autogenic relaxation exercises and ocular relaxation exercises combined with visual imagery also showed promising results.
– The findings suggest that these techniques could complement existing treatments for glaucoma by reducing IOP levels.
– The researchers emphasize the need for future studies to further explore and confirm the effectiveness of these relaxation techniques in managing glaucoma.
Source Article: https://medicaldialogues.in/ophthalmology/news/relaxation-exercise-and-meditation-improves-iop-in-glaucoma-patients-114453
