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Abstract #22123 Published in IGR 10-4
Progressive optic neuropathy in congenital glaucoma associated with the Sirsasana yoga posture
De Barros DSM; Bazzaz S; Gheith ME; Siam GA; Moster MROphthalmic Surgery Lasers and Imaging 2008; 39: 339-340
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 oplithalmoscopy, 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.
Dr. D.S.M. de Barros, William and Anna Goldberg Glaucoma Service and Research Center, Wills Eye Institute, Jefferson Medical College, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA