The effect of specific nasal breathing techniques on intra-ocular pressure.

It has been studied that, there is high prevalence of Sleep Disordered breathing in patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Sleep disordered breathing is characterized by persistent snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Glaucoma is the condition of the eyes where in  most cases are due to raised intra-ocular pressure. As both these entities seem to be co-related, this study is to determine if specific nasal breathing techniques affects the intra-ocular pressure. Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The only therapeutic approach accepted till now is directed towards lowering the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) either by medical, laser or surgical techniques. In addition to these methods, there is a need for evaluating non-pharmacological and non- surgical methods for lowering the IOP. It has been reported that unilateral breathing affects the autonomic nervous system, which in turn affects the IOP. A similar breathing exercise is practiced by many in our country as “Pranayamaâ€. We intend to study the effects of this form of specific nasal breathing technique on the intra-ocular pressure.