Research Projects

Glaucoma is a disease causing irreversible blindness, and is characterized by the association of raised intra-ocular pressure. Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of “sleep disordered breathing in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. Sleep disordered breathing is characterized by persistent snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This is suggestive of the effect of a breathing pattern or technique on Glaucoma, probably by affecting the intraocular pressure. Our project aims to determine whether nasal breathing in a particular technique [ pranayama] affects the intra-ocular pressure, and whether one of the techniques can lower it, thereby helping in the management of Glaucoma. Once the preliminary study determines the effect of breathing pattern, and specifically which pattern lowers intraocular pressure, the same can be applied in the community set up. Considering the expenses incurred in Glaucoma medications for lowering intraocular pressure, the utility of a non-invasive simple breathing technique would be invaluable to the patient. In the event of a significant positive outcome, community training in these simple breathing exercises by workshops by Yoga department associated with the project can be undertaken. The preventive role of the exercise may also be studied in the population. Components of the project Part-1 Initially, the project would be performed in a controlled manner in a hospital based setup, to identify the best technique which be beneficial. Part-2 The duration of efficacy of this intervention would then be studied to determine the frequency of repeating the breathing exercise. Part-3 Subsequently, the same technique would be applied in glaucoma patients. Part -4 Application of the technique in a community set up with the purpose of reducing the intraocular pressure by a simple inexpensive breathing exercise with minimal side effects.