Natural Way to Lower Eye Pressure in Glaucoma Patients


Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness, often caused by elevated eye pressure. Many people wonder if there are natural ways to reduce eye pressure, or if lifestyle changes can help. In this video, I’ll review a 2018 study suggesting that mindfulness meditation might be a natural method to lower eye pressure, complementing traditional glaucoma treatments. Let's dive in.

[Intro Music]

Understanding Glaucoma:

Hello and welcome! I’m Dr. Allen from The Dr. Eye House Show, where we explore all things related to eye health and vision. Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight this important topic.

If you’re unfamiliar with glaucoma, it’s an eye disease where the optic nerve at the back of the eye slowly deteriorates. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, is often linked to high eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure is caused by an imbalance in the production and drainage of a fluid called aqueous humor. When pressure builds up, it can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

Unfortunately, glaucoma progresses so gradually that most people don’t notice any symptoms until significant damage has occurred. This is why regular eye pressure checks are crucial during standard eye exams.

The 2018 Study on Meditation and Eye Pressure:

Now, let’s talk about the 2018 study published in the Journal of Glaucoma. The study involved 90 participants who were already receiving treatment for glaucoma through eye drops. These participants were split into two groups:

  • Control Group: Continued their usual medication routine without any additional intervention.
  • Meditation Group: Continued their medication but also practiced mindfulness meditation for one hour each day, guided by a certified instructor, for three weeks.

After three weeks, researchers compared the results. They measured eye pressure, stress hormone levels, and surveyed the participants’ quality of life.

Key Findings:

The results were impressive. The meditation group not only experienced a significant reduction in eye pressure but also reported lower stress levels and an improved quality of life. Remarkably, 75% of the participants in the meditation group saw a 25% reduction in eye pressure. To put that into perspective, glaucoma treatments are considered effective if they achieve a 20-25% reduction in eye pressure.

In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes. This suggests that stress and daily activities can influence eye pressure, although the exact mechanisms are still not fully understood.

What This Means for Glaucoma Patients:

If you or someone you know is dealing with glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, discussing stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation could be beneficial. While it’s essential to continue any prescribed medications, incorporating stress-reducing practices might help enhance the overall effectiveness of your treatment.

Stress affects many aspects of our health, so finding ways to relax and reduce stress is always a good idea. Personally, I’ve been working on integrating more meditation into my routine. It can be challenging at first, but starting with just 10 minutes and gradually increasing the time can make it easier to stick with.

There are several apps and free resources available for meditation, and I’ll link some of my recommendations below if you’d like to explore them.

Important Note:

Remember, the participants in this study continued taking their prescribed medications while meditating. It’s crucial to maintain your current glaucoma treatment and consult with your doctor before making any changes. Ask your healthcare provider about the potential benefits of adding meditation or other lifestyle changes to your regimen.

Question of the Day:

Do you practice meditation? How long have you been doing it, and have you noticed any benefits? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Drop a comment below!

Since it’s Glaucoma Awareness Month, if you want to learn more about glaucoma, the different types, or how it’s tested in an eye clinic, check out the links in the description below or click on the video series linked here.

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