Yoga and Exercise for Glaucoma

Yoga and exercise cannot treat glaucoma, and some poses can raise eye pressure. Regular gentle activity is healthy for the heart and blood sugar, but follow your eye doctor's advice.

Helpful activities

• Walking, light jogging or cycling: moderate aerobic exercise may lower eye pressure a little for some people
• Slow breathing and relaxation to reduce stress
• Gentle stretching with the head above the heart

Poses to avoid or discuss with your doctor

• Inverted poses: headstand (Sirshasana), shoulder stand, plough and downward dog can raise eye pressure
• Deep forward bends that keep the head below the heart for long
• Breath holding and forceful breathing (strong Kapalabhati and Bhastrika) with strain
• Heavy weightlifting with straining
• Swimming with tight goggles that press on the eye

Safe habits

• Keep exercise moderate and avoid straining
• Rest the eyes from screens every 20 minutes
• Never rub or press your eyes
• Take prescribed drops as scheduled

Eye exercises

Eye exercises and "palming" do not lower pressure or treat glaucoma. They may ease strain but are not a treatment.

Key point

Check with your eye doctor before starting yoga. Sudden eye pain, halos or vomiting: call 112 or 102.

Before your eye appointment

Carry your old reports, glasses and a list of all drops, tablets and supplements you use. Note any family history of glaucoma, diabetes or steroid use, and write down when symptoms occur. This helps your eye doctor choose the right tests and plan, and spot changes early.