Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of glaucoma, is usually treated with medication and/or surgery. For most patients, this improves intraocular pressure (IOP) and helps prevent glaucoma from worsening. 

Certain mechanisms in the body, however, that contribute to your stress levels may make it more difficult for your IOP to improve. Fortunately, research suggests that reducing stress through mindfulness meditation—an exercise that involves focusing on the present and letting go of negativity—may improve IOP and complement current glaucoma treatment therapies.*

What they did

In the study, 90 POAG patients were divided into two groups. One group practiced mindfulness meditation (supervised by a certified meditation teacher) 60 minutes a day for 21 days straight. The other group did not meditate at all. 

Both groups continued to take prescribed medications and were monitored for:

• Changes in IOP
• Quality of life
• Stress-related hormones and chemicals

What they found

The study found multiple benefits to mindfulness meditation, including: 

• More than 75% of patients had at least a 25% drop in IOP.
• Patients had a reduction in stress-related hormones and chemicals.
• Patients reported a significantly improved quality of life after 21 days.

There was no significant change in any of the monitored categories for the group that did not meditate.

What it means

The findings of this study support earlier studies that also suggest the importance of reducing stress in POAG patients. According to Dr. J. Kevin McKinney, an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at Eye Health Northwest in Portland, Oregon, more research is needed to better assess the long-term effect of mindfulness meditation. 

“I would want to see if the same effect could be maintained over a longer period of time,” said McKinney. “With our current level of understanding, I would not recommend using meditation as a substitute for current glaucoma treatment. But it might be a very useful addition.” 

If interested, you can find the original study in the Journal of Glaucoma. 

*Vimont, C. (2019, Feb. 12). Mindfulness Meditation May Help Fight Glaucoma. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/mindfulness-meditation-may-help-fight-glaucoma

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