Typically, open-angle glaucoma is treated with medicated eye drops or surgery to reduce internal eye (intraocular) pressure, or IOP. Research has shown, however, that some people have experienced significant improvement in IOP when meditation was added to standard treatments. Here, optometrist Joseph Allen, O.D., FAAO discusses a particular study and what the findings might mean for you.*

Glaucoma and aqueous humor

The type of glaucoma most often diagnosed is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), where the glaucoma isn’t the result of some other medical condition or eye disease. In POAG, IOP increases when a fluid called aqueous humor doesn’t drain properly from the eye. The pressure from this buildup pushes on the optic nerve, damaging the nerve cells and eventually killing them. There are often no symptoms in POAG until noticeable vision loss sets in. Regularly checking eye pressure is vital to prevention.

Most glaucoma treatments work through either reducing production of aqueous humor or creating alternate drainage sites for the fluid. These therapies meet with varying degrees of success.

Meditation for glaucoma study (2:03)

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Glaucoma investigated the effects of meditation as an adjunct therapy for POAG. Researchers recruited 90 people with POAG, who were already being treated with eye drops to lower their IOP.

Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 45:

• In the control group, participants maintained their current medication regimen with no meditation added.
• Participants in the experimental group kept taking their medications and also practiced mindfulness meditation for one hour a day with a certified guide for 21 days.

Both groups were assessed for IOP, stress levels/hormones, and quality of life scores.

What the researchers found (3:00)

People who meditated not only showed lower IOP but also had much lower stress levels and improved quality of life measures.

• IOP was lower overall in the meditation group and 25% lower in 75% of that group.
• The control group experienced no significant changes.

Allen says that these findings are “very significant,” though their generalizability is hampered by the study’s small sample size, short evaluation period, and lack of racial and ethnic diversity. 

What it means (4:08)

Allen says people with glaucoma or elevated IOP should consider stress management, as with meditation, to help naturally lower stress and eye pressure. Allen, who also meditates, advises starting slowly, with just 10 minutes per session, and gradually increasing that time. It takes practice, he says, to become proficient. There are many apps and guides available to choose from.

Additional health benefits of meditation

While the study results support meditation as beneficial for lowering IOP in people with or at risk for glaucoma, research shows that there are many other potential benefits to regular meditation practice. In addition to helping to lower IOP, meditation can positively affect:

• Blood pressure,
• Depression and anxiety,
• Memory, and
• Sleep.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, more research is needed to verify meditation’s effectiveness for glaucoma, but early results are “intriguing.”

*Doctor Eye Health. (2021, January 19). Natural Glaucoma Treatment for High Eye Pressure—How to Lower Eye Pressure Naturally [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCY1Wr6k3gc