Effect of Foot Reflexology on Intraocular Pressure in Ocular Hypertensive and Glaucoma Patients

This is a prospective pilot study in glaucoma patients and a prospective therapeutic trial in ocular hypertensive patients. Patients were recruited from the Temple Ophthalmology outpatient clinic. Primary open-angle glaucoma patients were recruited from those about to have SLT for additional intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering. OHTN patients were recruited from the clinic. The glaucoma patients performed a 5-minute foot massage on a foot massage board and the IOP was checked pre-massage, post-massage and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min post massage. OHTN patients underwent a one-month drop washout and then performed a 5-minute massage using a 3D-printed shoe insert with the identical pressure checks. They then were randomly assigned to wear the shoe insert or a sham insert for one day. IOP was checked before inserting the insert and at the end of the day. The number of steps was recorded each day.