title: [Self-relaxation techniques for glaucoma patients. Significance of autogenic training, hypnosis and music therapy].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Glaucoma is currently the second most common cause of severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Standard pharmaceutical and surgical interventions often fail to prevent progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate whether adjuvantly applied self-relaxation techniques can significantly impact intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion and the overall mental state of affected patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search of the literature was carried out and a comprehensive overview of currently available data is presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Autogenic training, hypnosis and music therapy can significantly impact intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion and overall mental state of patients suffering from glaucoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As all of these adjuvant therapeutic options are cost-effective, available almost everywhere and at anytime as well as without any known side effects, they can be useful additional techniques in the overall concept for treating glaucoma patients. Regular ocular examinations by an ophthalmologist are, however, mandatory.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Deutschland. thomas.bertelmann@staff.uni-marburg.de.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bertelmann
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Deutschland.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Strempel
mesh_terms: D001326:Autogenic Training / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis / Q000379:methods; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Adjuvant procedures; Blindness; Intraocular pressure; Optic neuropathy; Visual impairment