Progressive optic neuropathy in congenital glaucoma associated with the Sirsasana yoga posture.
The authors describe a case of progressive optic neuropathy in a patient with congenital glaucoma who had routinely practiced the Sirsasana (headstand) yoga posture for several years. Ophthalmic examination included best-corrected visual acuity, anterior segment examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, ultrasound pachymetry for central corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure before, during, and after maintaining the Sirsasana posture for 5 minutes. Intraocular pressure increased significantly during the Sirsasana posture. Transient elevation in intraocular pressure during yoga exercises may lead to progressive glaucomatous optic neuropathy, especially in susceptible patients with congenital glaucoma.
de Barros
Daniela S Monteiro
DS
William and Anna Goldberg Glaucoma Service and Research Center, Wills Eye Institute, Jefferson Medical College, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 1150, PA 19107, USA.
Bazzaz
Sheila
S
Gheith
Moataz E
ME
Siam
Ghada A
GA
Moster
Marlene R
MR
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000151:congenital* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014794:Visual Fields; D015013:Yoga
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents