title: Progression of glaucoma associated with the Sirsasana (headstand) yoga posture.
abstract: This article reports a case of progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy and visual field loss that occurred in a patient who practiced the Sirsasana (headstand) yoga posture on a daily basis for many years. Visual field analysis was performed through standard automated perimetry. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured through pneumotonometry in the sitting position and in the head-down position. Stereo-optic disc photographs were obtained. IOP increased significantly in the head-down position. Optic disc evaluation revealed a new disc hemorrhage in the left eye. Visual field analysis over a period of 2 y showed progression of a superior arcuate defect in the left eye. Transient increases in IOP associated with the yoga headstand posture may lead to progressive glaucomatous optic nerve damage and visual field loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gallardo
authors.forename: Nalini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
authors.forename: H Dwight
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
authors.forename: Jess T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Whitson
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D014794:Visual Fields; D015013:Yoga