Can Breathing Exercise or Pranayama Affect the Intraocular Pressure in the Short-term?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Integrative Medicine
• Physiology

Background:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical factor in glaucoma management.
• Breathing exercises, like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shuddhi pranayama), are explored for potential health benefits.
• The transient effects of such practices on IOP are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the short-term impact of alternate nostril breathing on intraocular pressure.
• To compare these effects in individuals with glaucoma and healthy subjects.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, observational study involving three groups: glaucoma patients, and normal subjects with and without breathing exercise.
• Intraocular pressure was measured at baseline, after 4 minutes of alternate nostril breathing, and after 10 minutes of rest.
• Subjects were between 18-80 years old and new to breathing exercises.

Main Results:

• Baseline IOP was significantly higher in the glaucoma group compared to normal groups.
• No statistically significant differences were found in intraocular pressure measurements (baseline, post-exercise, post-rest) within any of the study groups.
• Alternate nostril breathing did not demonstrate a short-term transient effect on IOP.

Conclusions:

• Alternate nostril breathing exercise does not appear to have a short-term transient effect on intraocular pressure.
• Further research, including longitudinal studies, is recommended to understand any potential long-term effects of pranayama on IOP.