Breathing Exercises + Meditation for Glaucoma

Overseen By Monali Malvankar, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Substance abuse, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 12 weeks

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this electronic feasibility clinical trial study is to evaluate the effects of breathing and meditation techniques on stress levels in patients with glaucoma. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does breathing and meditation decrease the level of stress in glaucoma patients? * Does breathing and meditation improve disease specific quality of life in glaucoma patients * Does breathing and meditation affect the importance that in glaucoma patients place on future consequences? Participants will participate in online session where they will be taught proper breathing and meditation technique to practice. They will also be completing online questionnaires following independent practice sessions over time. Researchers will compare the breathing and meditation group to the usual care group to see if the outcomes are different.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on breathing and meditation techniques, so it's likely you can continue your usual medications, but you should confirm with the study team.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Breathing Exercises and Meditation for Glaucoma?

Research suggests that meditation can improve quality of life and reduce stress in glaucoma patients, which is important since stress is linked to the disease. Additionally, certain breathing exercises may temporarily lower eye pressure, which is a key factor in managing glaucoma. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to use breathing exercises and meditation for glaucoma?

There is no specific safety data available for breathing exercises and meditation for glaucoma, but these practices are generally considered safe for most people. They have been used for various conditions without significant safety concerns. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the treatment of breathing exercises and meditation for glaucoma different from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it combines breathing exercises and meditation, which are typically used to improve breathing and reduce stress, rather than directly targeting eye pressure like traditional glaucoma treatments. It may offer a novel approach by potentially improving overall well-being and reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to various health conditions. ^{11 12 13 14 15}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for glaucoma patients aged 40-65 who can consent, read English, and have no major mental health issues. They must be able to sit comfortably for half an hour, hear well with closed eyes, and access a computer for virtual sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

Being able to read and understand English

I have been diagnosed with glaucoma.

I am in good overall health.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive online instructions for breathing exercises and meditation, with weekly follow-ups

12 weeks

3 weekly online sessions (90 minutes each), weekly 60-minute follow-ups

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in quality of life, consideration of future consequences, and perceived stress

4 weeks

Online questionnaires at Week 1, Week 3, Week 6, Week 12

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Breathing Exercises and Meditation

Trial Overview The study tests if breathing exercises followed by meditation can reduce stress and improve life quality in glaucoma patients. Participants will learn these techniques online and practice independently while their results are compared to those receiving usual care.

Participant Groups

Group I: Breathing Exercises followed by Meditation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Breathing exercises and Meditation taught by Prasanna Wellness, a non-profit organization, helps dissolve stress and create a proper system in the mind. These breathing exercises include slow deep breaths and rapid breaths and are followed by meditation. Participants will receive three weekly online instructions (90 minutes each) by trained instructors in addition to standard care. Weekly 60 minutes follow-ups will include 10 minutes of breathing exercises followed by 33 minutes of guided meditation practice, and then focus on participants' experiences with breathing exercise followed by meditation during the week, additional observations, and a review of relevant knowledge to support their home practice.

Group II: Treatment as Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

The usual standard of care for patients with glaucoma includes starting them on first line of drugs. Participants will be initiated and maintained on appropriate dosages of such medications as part of standard of care. The usual standard of care also includes an ophthalmic examination measuring best-corrected Snellen VA and pinhole acuities and a follow-up visit once a year.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

686

Recruited

427,000+

London Health Sciences Centre OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

668

Recruited

424,000+

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

678

Recruited

421,000+

Lawson Health Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

684

Recruited

432,000+

Findings from Research

The safety profile of glaucoma medications is crucial for treatment adherence, as side effects can lead to patients not following their prescribed therapy.

Long-term use of glaucoma eyedrops, especially those with preservatives, can cause ocular surface changes and systemic effects, highlighting the need for careful selection of medications and patient education on potential side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Side effects of glaucoma medications. Detry-Morel, M.[2018]

In a study of 165 patients with glaucoma, 38 experienced adverse effects related to the addition of timolol to their treatment regimen.

Timolol had to be discontinued in 15 patients (9%) due to these side effects, indicating a need for further double-masked studies to better understand the safety profile of timolol in glaucoma therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse effects experienced by patients taking timolol. McMahon, CD., Shaffer, RN., Hoskins, HD., et al.[2019]

Breathing exercises, particularly pursed-lip breathing (PLB) and ventilatory feedback combined with exercise, significantly improve ventilation metrics such as respiratory rate and tidal volume in COPD patients, based on a review of 19 studies involving 745 participants.

While these breathing exercises enhance ventilation and quality of life, they do not significantly reduce dyspnea compared to control groups, indicating that their benefits may be more focused on improving breathing efficiency rather than alleviating breathlessness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Breathing Exercises in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ubolnuar, N., Tantisuwat, A., Thaveeratitham, P., et al.[2020]

References

1. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Yoga-Based Ocular Exercises in Lowering of Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma Patients: An Affirmative Proposition. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can Breathing Exercise or Pranayama Affect the Intraocular Pressure in the Short-term? [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daily Meditation Practice for Managing Glaucoma Patients' Attitudes and Acceptance. [2022]

4. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness Meditation Can Benefit Glaucoma Patients. [2020]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meditation enhances brain oxygenation, upregulates BDNF and improves quality of life in patients with primary open angle glaucoma: A randomized controlled trial. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse pulmonary effects of topical Beta blockers used in the treatment of glaucoma. [2009]

7. Belgium pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Side effects of glaucoma medications. [2018]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse effects experienced by patients taking timolol. [2019]

9. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Side effects of glaucoma treatments]. [2009]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Timolol side effects and inadvertent overdosing. [2019]

11. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Breathing Exercises in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2020]

12. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of breathing exercises on oxidative stress biomarkers in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

13. Indonesia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of breathing exercises on the fatigue levels of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [2015]

14. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Breathing Zone Free app. [2016]

15. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of breathing exercises in preventing pulmonary complications following open heart surgery. [2019]