Yoga positions to avoid if you have glaucoma

According to a study by the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, four yoga positions increase pressure on the optic nerve.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the pressure inside the eye increases to the point of damaging the optic nerve. This usually leads to a narrowing of the visual field, to the point of blindness.

The increase in pressure is caused by a problem with the production, flow, or drainage of fluid that is normally made in the eye.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada.

 

A study conducted by the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai shows that four yoga postures increase pressure on the optic nerve and therefore should be avoided for people with glaucoma.

 

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

To achieve this position, the person must stand on all fours, hands flat on the ground, then slowly raise the buttocks towards the ceiling, straightening the legs and arms. The hands are still flat on the ground, the fingers spread, the heels are raised, the back is not arched and the head is retracted in the direction of the chest.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)

For this position, the person will have to lean forward, legs straight, folding the chest over the thighs and holding the calves.

Halasana (Plow Pose)

This position is performed lying on the back, bringing the feet above the head and straightening the legs.

Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)

Again a position while lying on the back, raising the legs at right angles, leaning against a wall.

 

The study was performed with a group of people with glaucoma and a healthy group. The eye pressure was measured in the participants, and then they held the dog's upside down position for two minutes.
The pressure measured following the exercise showed a significant increase in eye pressure.

 

If you want to know more, you can read the following article:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/304863