Glaucoma is a condition in which there is increased pressure within the eyeball. Without proper management, glaucoma can lead to loss of sight. Avoiding exercises and yoga poses that may exacerbate pressure behind the eyes is important for those with glaucoma.
Expert Insight
A case study presented in the journal Advances in Therapy in 2006 involved progressive glaucoma and vision loss in a patient who did headstands on a daily basis for "many years." Researchers found that pressure behind the eye greatly increased when the patient was in a headstand position, leading them to warn that increases in pressure associated with the yoga headstand posture may lead to progression of glaucoma and visual field loss.
Consult with Your Doctor
Before attending a yoga class, confer with your doctor about particular restrictions. Many doctors will discourage patients from participating in any extended headstand-type exercises because of the risk of increased intraocular pressure. Alert your yoga instructor as to your condition at the beginning of class so she may offer alternatives.
Poses to Avoid
The International Glaucoma Association warns against any yoga pose that involves putting the head lower than the heart for an extended period of time. This includes most inversions, including headstand, forearm stand, handstand, shoulder stand, plow and wheel pose. Glaucoma sufferers should also avoid extended periods in downward facing dog.
Alternative Poses
Certified Iyengar yoga instructor Dean Lerner recommends exploring alternative poses while the class engages in inversions. Poses like reclining hero or reclining bound angle are relaxing options. If you seek more active alternatives, perform forward bends like standing forward bend or wide angle forward fold.
Other Considerations
Even a less intense inversion like bridge pose can pose a risk. If you do choose to undertake the pose, go slowly and be sure to keep breath continually flowing. Ask your instructor how to use props to create support in the pose, and give yourself permission to not go too high.
