If you suffer from glaucoma, you need to avoid situations that cause intraocular eye pressure, or IOP. A regular exercise program can actually help diminish IOP, when practiced in conjunction with your physician's guidelines, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. When using yoga for your exercise, consider avoiding poses that include lowering your head below your heart, such as shoulder stand, headstand and downward-facing dog. You can modify some inverted poses for glaucoma. Take extra care to not hold your breath during poses.
Wide-legged Forward Bend
You can still enjoy the benefits of wide-legged forward bend by modifying how you practice it. Place a chair against a wall with the seat facing toward you. Hold your feet wide apart and keep them parallel. Lean slightly forward to keep your hips above your legs rather than behind your heels. Rest your forearms on the chair seat. Breathe deeply for 10 to 15 breaths, feeling an inner thigh and groin stretch and relaxing your back. Certified advanced Iyengar instructor Dean Learner emphasizes that modified forward bends should be part of your regular yoga practice.
Modified Downward-Facing Dog
Use the same chair to modify your practice of downward-facing dog. Turn it around so the back of the chair is facing out. Place your hands on the top of the seat back, then walk back until your hips are above your feet. You should feel like your body is making an upside-down L shape. Relax your shoulders, but keep your arms strong and parallel as you lengthen your spine. Rise onto the balls of your feet to stretch through your hamstrings more. Hold for 10 to 15 breaths.
Reclining Bound Angle
Instructor Dean Learner recommends reclining bound angle if you have glaucoma, particularly as an alternative pose to do if your class is practicing inversions. Lie on your back with your feet together and knees fanned out to the left and right. Prop up your knees with pillows, bolsters or blocks if your hips feel too stretched. Place your arms on the floor, comfortably by your sides. Your lower back can stay pressed into the mat or slightly off the floor, holding its natural curves.
Half Lord of the Fishes
A gentle yoga twist can help release stress and stretch out tension in your chest, shoulders and back. Place your right foot next to your left hip with your right knee pointed up. Your left knee remains on the floor and left heel hugs in toward your right hip. Turn to your right, then wrap your left arm around your right knee. Put your palm on the floor behind your back, creating a support for your twist. Focus on deepening the twist, gently, as you inhale and exhale. Hold on each side for up to 15 breaths.
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