Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Intraocular Pressure and Trabecular Meshwork Gene Expression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Unveiling Key Genes Modulating Retinal Cell Survival and Autophagy in Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, with rising incidence globally. Effective treatment is challenging due to limited understanding of the disease mechanisms. Growth factor activity is crucial in glaucoma, with potential to reduce retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis and slow disease progression. This study aims to identify and analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in growth factor activity to uncover new therapeutic targets. We analyzed the GSE9944 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to identify DEGs associated with glaucoma, resulting in 94 DEGs, including 29 down-regulated and 65 up-regulated genes. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were conducted using bioinformatics tools, highlighting the roles of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1 (BMP1), Pleiotrophin (PTN), and f fibroblast Growth Factor 7 (FGF7). Aberrant expression vectors for these genes were transfected into RGCs derived from a glaucoma model to evaluate their impact on cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy. Bioinformatics analysis of the GSE9944 dataset identified 94 DEGs, with 29 down-regulated and 65 up-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were involved in pathways related to growth factor activity, apoptosis, and autophagy, processes highly relevant to glaucoma pathogenesis. PPI network analysis identified BMP1, PTN, and FGF7 as central hub genes involved in extracellular matrix organization and growth factor signaling. In experimental validation using RGCs, we found that up-regulation of BMP1 significantly enhanced RGC viability and reduced apoptosis. Conversely, silencing PTN and FGF7 provided protective effects, enhancing RGC survival. Silencing BMP1 and upregulating PTN and FGF7 led to increased RGC apoptosis. Additionally, BMP1 was found to inhibit autophagy in RGCs, whereas PTN and FGF7 promoted autophagic activity, suggesting differential regulatory roles in glaucoma pathogenesis. Overall, BMP1, PTN, and FGF7 play critical roles in the regulation of RGC activity and autophagy in glaucoma, making them promising molecular targets for future therapeutic interventions.

Candidate SNP Markers Significantly Altering the Affinity of the TATA-Binding Protein for the Promoters of Human Genes Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. This condition leads to optic nerve degeneration and eventually to blindness. Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, fast-food diets, obesity, heavy weight lifting, high-intensity physical exercises, and many other bad habits are lifestyle-related risk factors for POAG. By contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and the Mediterranean diet can alleviate POAG. In this work, we for the first time estimated the phylostratigraphic age indices (PAIs) of all 153 POAG-related human genes in the NCBI Gene Database. This allowed us to separate them into two groups: POAG-related genes that appeared before and after the phylum Chordata, that is, ophthalmologically speaking, before and after the camera-type eye evolved. Next, in the POAG-related genes' promoters, we in silico predicted all 3835 candidate SNP markers that significantly change the TATA-binding protein (TBP) affinity for these promoters and, through this molecular mechanism, the expression levels of these genes. Finally, we verified our results against five independent web services-PANTHER, DAVID, STRING, MetaScape, and GeneMANIA-as well as the ClinVar database. It was concluded that POAG is likely to be a symptom of the human self-domestication syndrome, a downside of being civilized.

Psychological Stress and Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) behavior after applying a standardized protocol to induce psychological stress in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 39 patients with POAG were included: 18 in the stress group and 21 in the control group.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to undergo the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or to be included in the control group. All participants were submitted to a modified diurnal tension curve (DTC) 1-4 weeks before randomization, with 3 IOP measurements performed between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. We evaluated the response to the TSST by measuring the levels of salivary cortisol, salivary amylase, IOP, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate before, immediately after, and 40 minutes after the TSST. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was applied to evaluate the levels of anxiety at the same time intervals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in IOP (mmHg), salivary cortisol and amylase, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and STAI scores.

RESULTS

At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding age (P = 0.661), sex (P = 0.669), salivary cortisol (P = 0.104), and mean DTC IOP for the right (P = 0.439) and left (P = 0.576) eyes. We observed a significant mean IOP increase of 3.8 mmHg (right eye; P < 0.001) and 4.1 mmHg (left eye; P < 0.001) when we compared IOP measurements obtained during the DTC and immediately after TSST. Salivary cortisol (5.9 nmol/L; P = 0.004), salivary amylase (323 388 UL; P = 0.004), mean arterial pressure (10.1 mmHg; P < 0.001), and heart rate (12.9 bpm; P < 0.001) also increased significantly after the TSST. In addition, 61.1% (11 of 18) of the patients in the TSST group showed an IOP increase > 4 mmHg following the test. The STAI-state score significantly increased after the TSST compared to baseline (P < 0.001) and decreased from poststress to the recovery period (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with POAG present significant elevations of IOP, salivary cortisol and amylase, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and STAI scores after psychological stress induced by the TSST.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Effect of various relaxation techniques on the intraocular pressure of patients with glaucoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review focusing on the impact of various relaxation techniques on the intraocular pressure of patients with glaucoma.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed through CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and conferences until July 2022. Covidence software (Veritas Health Innovation, Melbourne, Australia) was used to conduct the systematic review. The screening was done by 2 independent reviewers, and a risk-of-bias assessment was completed after data extraction. Stata Statistical Software, version 14 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas) was used to conduct a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve articles (596 subjects) were included for qualitative analysis and 5 articles (332 subjects) for quantitative analysis. One hour of daily mindfulness meditation for 3 weeks resulted in the most significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) at 31.8%. Meditation consistently caused long-term reductions in IOP (standardized mean difference = -2.02; range, -3.16 to -0.89). Autogenic relaxation exercises showed a trend toward reducing IOP acutely but a significant reduction in the long term. Ocular relaxation exercises combined with visual imagery of aqueous humour drainage showed both acute and long-term reductions in IOP. The effects of yoga on IOP could depend on the positions being practiced.

CONCLUSION

Various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, visual imagery, autogenic relaxation exercises, and ocular relaxation exercises, seem to cause significant reductions in IOP. Future randomized, controlled trials should be carried out to further explore the utility of these techniques for patients with glaucoma.

Reversing Aging and Improving Health Span in Glaucoma Patients: The Next Frontier?

How to cite this article: Dada T, Mahalingam K, Bhartiya S. Reversing Aging and Improving Health Span in Glaucoma Patients: The Next Frontier? J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2024;18(3):87-93.

The Clinical Efficacy of Different Relaxation Exercises on Intraocular Pressure Reduction: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize the available evidence on the clinical efficacy of different relaxation exercises on intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. Methods: A systemic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science was undertaken from the earliest record to 10 April 2024. Peer-reviewed studies that reported on healthy individuals and glaucoma patients engaging in relaxation exercises for at least three weeks were included. The primary outcome was changes in IOP levels from baseline, before the commencement of relaxation exercises, to post-exercise. Our statistical analysis employed a random-effects model, with effect sizes reported using Hedges' g. Results: Twelve studies were included, totaling 764 eyes (mean participant age ranging from 21.07 to 69.50 years). Relaxation exercises significantly reduced IOP, with Hedges' g being -1.276 (95% CI: -1.674 to -0.879) and I2 = 84.4%. Separate subgroup analyses showed that breathing exercises (Hedges' g = -0.860, p < 0.0001), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) (Hedges' g = -1.79, p < 0.0001), and ocular exercises (Hedges' g = -0.974, p < 0.0001) were associated with reduced IOP levels. The reduction in IOP following the relaxation exercises was found to be associated with baseline IOP either greater than (Hedges' g = -1.473, p < 0.0001) or less than 21 mmHg (Hedges' g = -1.22, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, this effect persisted with follow-up durations of less than (Hedges' g = -1.161, p < 0.0001) and more than one month (Hedges' g = -1.324, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The current meta-analysis indicates that relaxation exercises can significantly reduce IOP levels. Relaxation exercises are a potential class of novel treatments for glaucoma patients that deserve further evaluation.

Effect of "365 Breathing Technique" on Intraocular Pressure and Autonomic Functions in Patients With Glaucoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PRCIS

Patients with primary open angle glaucoma were advised to follow the "365 breathing technique" for 6 weeks in addition to their pharmacological glaucoma treatment. It helped to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), stress biomarker-cortisol, and improve autonomic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of the "365 breathing technique" on IOP, autonomic functions, and stress biomarkers in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

METHODS

In this randomized, controlled, interventional trial, after randomization, 40 patients in the intervention group followed "365 breathing" (three times a day, breathing rate: 6 cycles/min for 5 min) in addition to their pharmacological glaucoma treatment and 40 patients in the control group continued only with their pharmacological glaucoma treatment. IOP, serum cortisol, heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate response to deep breathing test (DBT) were recorded at preintervention and 6 weeks postintervention.

RESULTS

The mean IOP, serum cortisol, parameters of the HRV test, and DBT were comparable between the two groups at baseline. At the 6-week follow-up, in the intervention group, mean IOP was significantly lower (16.09 ± 2.24 vs 18.38 ± 1.58 mm Hg, P = 0.03) and serum cortisol were significantly lower (13.20 ± 3.11 vs 14.95 ± 2.60 mcg/dL, P = 0.038) compared with the control group. In the HRV test, time domain analysis showed a significant difference in the root mean square of the successive difference between RR interval values between both groups at 6 weeks ( P = 0.015) pointing towards higher postintervention parasympathetic activation in the intervention group. In frequency domain analysis (HRV test), the ratio of the low-frequency component to the high-frequency component was significantly lower in the intervention group at 6 weeks (1.65 vs 1.79, P = 0.019) indicating a shift in sympathovagal balance towards greater vagal modulation.There was a significant increase in delta heart rate ( P = 0.019) and expiratory:inspiratory ratio ( P = 0.011) in the intervention group at 6 weeks when compared with baseline values, indicating improved parasympathetic reactivity to DBT.

CONCLUSION

"365 breathing" technique can reduce IOP and serum cortisol, and improve autonomic dysfunction in patients with glaucoma.

Beyond the optic nerve: Genetics, diagnosis, and promising therapies for glaucoma

Glaucoma stands as a leading global cause of blindness, affecting millions. It entails optic nerve damage and vision loss, categorized into open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma with subtypes like POAG, ACG, XFG, PCG, PDG, and developmental glaucoma. The pathophysiological and genetic factors behind glaucoma remain partially understood, with past studies linking intraocular pressure (IOP) levels to retinal ganglion cell death. Open-angle glaucoma involves elevated resistance to aqueous outflow via the trabecular meshwork, while angle-closure glaucoma typically sees drainage pathways obstructed by the iris. Genes have been identified for POAG, ACG, XFG, PCG, PDG, and developmental glaucoma, allowing for early-onset detection and the emergence of gene therapy as an effective treatment. Nevertheless, diagnostic and treatment options have their constraints, necessitating large-scale, well-designed studies to deepen our grasp of genetics' role in glaucoma's pathogenesis. This review delves into glaucoma's risk factors, pathophysiology, genetics, diagnosis, and available treatment options, including gene therapy. Additionally, it suggests alternative therapies like yoga and meditation as adjunct treatments for glaucoma prevention. Overall, this review advances our comprehension of the pathophysiology and genetic associations of glaucoma while highlighting the potential of gene therapy as a treatment avenue. Further research is imperative to fully elucidate the genetic mechanisms underpinning glaucoma and to devise effective treatments.

From Inner Balance to Visual Health: Unraveling the Therapeutic Role of Yoga in Optic Neuropathy and Ocular Manifestations - Narrative Review

The optic nerve comprises approximately 1.2 million axons of retinal ganglion cells and is vulnerable to degeneration due to a myriad of causes. While traditional treatments have been the cornerstone of ocular care, emerging evidence highlights the benefits of integrative approaches, which can be used as an adjunct in the management of optic neuropathy. Yoga is a mind-body energy medicine encompasses physical postures, breath control, and meditation. Currently, it has gained attention for its holistic effects on well-being, by promoting health, preventing onset of diseases, adjunct in disease management, and for its rehabilitative potential. In addition, the underlying mechanisms through which yoga exerts its therapeutic influence, evaluates clinical outcomes, and explores potential synergistic effects with conventional treatments remain largely unexplored. Neuroprotective mechanisms of yoga, such as enhancing retinal ganglion cell function, reducing oxidative stress, coupled with its ability to modulate inflammatory processes and improve circulation, contribute to its potential benefits in visual health. Analysis of clinical studies reveals promising outcomes, including improvements in visual acuity, visual fields, quality of life, and functional outcomes in individuals with optic neuropathy and ocular manifestations who undergo yoga intervention (especially dhyaan) with awareness of breath. Furthermore, the integration of yoga with conventional treatments and complementary modalities unveils the possibilities of multidisciplinary approaches in ocular care that need evaluation. By unraveling the role of yoga intervention in ocular health, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, fostering a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and paving the way for enhanced visual health outcomes. Embracing yoga as an adjunctive therapy may has the potential to revolutionize the management of optic neuropathy and ocular manifestations, offering individuals a holistic approach to optimize visual well-being, reduce comorbid depression and caregiver burden, and improve overall quality of life.

Three potential neurovascular pathways driving the benefits of mindfulness meditation for older adults

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to be beneficial for a range of different health conditions, impacts brain function and structure relatively quickly, and has shown promise with aging samples. Functional magnetic resonance imaging metrics provide insight into neurovascular health which plays a key role in both normal and pathological aging processes. Experimental mindfulness meditation studies that included functional magnetic resonance metrics as an outcome measure may point to potential neurovascular mechanisms of action relevant for aging adults that have not yet been previously examined. We first review the resting-state magnetic resonance studies conducted in exclusively older adult age samples. Findings from older adult-only samples are then used to frame the findings of task magnetic resonance imaging studies conducted in both clinical and healthy adult samples. Based on the resting-state studies in older adults and the task magnetic resonance studies in adult samples, we propose three potential mechanisms by which mindfulness meditation may offer a neurovascular therapeutic benefit for older adults: (1) a direct neurovascular mechanism via increased resting-state cerebral blood flow; (2) an indirect anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism via increased functional connectivity within the default mode network, and (3) a top-down control mechanism that likely reflects both a direct and an indirect neurovascular pathway.

Cellular signaling pathways as plastic, proto-cognitive systems: Implications for biomedicine

Many aspects of health and disease are modeled using the abstraction of a "pathway"-a set of protein or other subcellular activities with specified functional linkages between them. This metaphor is a paradigmatic case of a deterministic, mechanistic framework that focuses biomedical intervention strategies on altering the members of this network or the up-/down-regulation links between them-rewiring the molecular hardware. However, protein pathways and transcriptional networks exhibit interesting and unexpected capabilities such as trainability (memory) and information processing in a context-sensitive manner. Specifically, they may be amenable to manipulation via their history of stimuli (equivalent to experiences in behavioral science). If true, this would enable a new class of biomedical interventions that target aspects of the dynamic physiological "software" implemented by pathways and gene-regulatory networks. Here, we briefly review clinical and laboratory data that show how high-level cognitive inputs and mechanistic pathway modulation interact to determine outcomes in vivo. Further, we propose an expanded view of pathways from the perspective of basal cognition and argue that a broader understanding of pathways and how they process contextual information across scales will catalyze progress in many areas of physiology and neurobiology. We argue that this fuller understanding of the functionality and tractability of pathways must go beyond a focus on the mechanistic details of protein and drug structure to encompass their physiological history as well as their embedding within higher levels of organization in the organism, with numerous implications for data science addressing health and disease. Exploiting tools and concepts from behavioral and cognitive sciences to explore a proto-cognitive metaphor for the pathways underlying health and disease is more than a philosophical stance on biochemical processes; at stake is a new roadmap for overcoming the limitations of today's pharmacological strategies and for inferring future therapeutic interventions for a wide range of disease states.

Psychological interventions to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients: a review

PURPOSE

Glaucoma has been increasing recognised to cause significant mental health burden to patients while psychological factors also play important roles in the development and progression of glaucoma. This review presents the current evidence of the impact of psychological interventions in glaucoma patients to improve their holistic care in terms of both physical and mental health by modulating psychological symptoms and supporting glaucoma control.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on PubMed for relevant studies up to February 2022. Types of psychological interventions include meditation, autogenic relaxation, music, hypnosis, motivational interviewing, psychological nursing and bright light exposure. Outcomes investigated were ocular parameters including intraocular pressure, mental health, patient motivation and satisfaction, and overall quality of life.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies investigating the effects of psychological interventions on improving the care of glaucoma patients were reviewed. Daily meditation for 30 to 60 min has been shown to be effective in improving glaucoma control in terms of reducing intraocular pressure by 1.5 to 6.1 mmHg and improving ocular perfusion and quality of life. The impacts of music, autogenic training and psychological nursing on glaucoma control, vision outcomes and psychological symptoms are also promising while bright light exposure has shown some effects on sleeping quality. However, there is insufficient basis to support the adoption of motivational interviewing or hypnosis in glaucoma patients yet.

CONCLUSION

Psychological interventions, especially meditation, can play a bigger role in the holistic care of glaucoma patients by controlling disease progression as an adjunct to conventional approaches and alleviating the mental health burden caused by the disease through stress reduction and emotional regulation. They empower patients to gain greater control of their disease and provides additional advantages of low cost, non-invasiveness and minimal side effects. Future research should involve well-conducted randomised trials with larger sample sizes and longer duration of intervention and follow-up to establish the long-term benefits for glaucoma patients.

From bench to behaviour: The role of lifestyle factors on intraocular pressure, neuroprotection, and disease progression in glaucoma

Current glaucoma management centres on intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction through pharmacological and surgical therapy. Despite broad interest in active management of glaucoma through lifestyle modifications, such recommendations have yet to be incorporated into standards of treatment. In this review, noteworthy preclinical studies and their translations in clinical populations are discussed to evaluate the roles of lifestyle factors in lowering IOP, offering neuroprotection, and/or slowing disease progression in those with open-angle glaucoma. Current literature suggests that aerobic exercise may be associated with neuroprotection and decreased disease progression. Mindfulness is associated with IOP reductions and neuroprotection. Caffeine is associated with mild, transient IOP elevations of uncertain significance. Nicotinamide supplementation is associated with neuroprotection and short-term visual function improvement. This review also highlights knowledge gaps regarding these factors and opportunities to strengthen our understanding of their role in glaucoma, including future preclinical studies that elucidate underlying mechanisms and clinical studies with additional functional endpoints and longer follow-up.

Effect of yoga on intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, with an estimated 57.5 million people suffering from glaucoma globally. Treatment of glaucoma focuses on lowering intra-ocular pressure to prevent progression of visual field defects, which is the only proven method for treating this disease. Yoga practices are believed to lower intra-ocular pressure in the eyes and prevent further damage in patients with glaucoma. Therefore, this systematic review was planned to explore the available scientific studies on yoga and intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were the basis for the investigation of the literature. The Jadad Scale was used to assess the quality of included clinical trials, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of included case studies. Based on the quality assessment and eligibility, six studies on yoga and intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients carried out between 2007 and 2021 were included in the final review. The results showed a reduction in intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma through Jyoti-trataka (gazing steadily on a point or candle flame) and some other slow yogic breathing techniques, whereas studies on inversion Asanas (yoga postures) showed a rapid increase in intra-ocular pressure soon after starting. The three high-quality RCTs included in the meta-analysis showed a greater improvement in intra-ocular pressure in the yoga groups in both eyes than in the control groups; however, there were some limitations related to a small sample size, study quality, a long-term follow-up period, and variations in the yoga practices. Therefore, further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to overcome the limitations for a better understanding.

On the road to resilience: Epigenetic effects of meditation

Many environmental and lifestyle related factors may influence the physiology of the brain and body by acting on fundamental molecular pathways, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the immune system. For example, stressful conditions created by adverse early-life events, unhealthy habits and low socio-economic status may favor the onset of diseases linked to neuroendocrine dysregulation, inflammation and neuroinflammation. Beside pharmacological treatments used in clinical settings, much attention has been given to complementary treatments such as mind-body techniques involving meditation that rely on the activation of inner resources to regain health. At the molecular level, the effects of both stress and meditation are elicited epigenetically through a set of mechanisms that regulate gene expression as well as the circulating neuroendocrine and immune effectors. Epigenetic mechanisms constantly reshape genome activities in response to external stimuli, representing a molecular interface between organism and environment. In the present work, we aimed to review the current knowledge on the correlation between epigenetics, gene expression, stress and its possible antidote, meditation. After introducing the relationship between brain, physiology, and epigenetics, we will proceed to describe three basic epigenetic mechanisms: chromatin covalent modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we will give an overview of the physiological and molecular aspects related to stress. Finally, we will address the epigenetic effects of meditation on gene expression. The results of the studies reported in this review demonstrate that mindful practices modulate the epigenetic landscape, leading to increased resilience. Therefore, these practices can be considered valuable tools that complement pharmacological treatments when coping with pathologies related to stress.

Underlying mechanisms of mindfulness meditation: Genomics, circuits, and networks

Understanding neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness meditation (MM) has been a hot topic in recent years. This review was conducted with the goal of synthesizing empirical relationships via the genomics, circuits and networks between MM and mental disorders. We describe progress made in assessing the effects of MM on gene expression in immune cells, with particular focus on stress-related inflammatory markers and associated biological pathways. We then focus on key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of mental disorders, and expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices including default mode network, central executive network, and salience network. More research efforts need to be devoted into identifying underlying neuropsychological mechanisms of MM on how it alleviates the symptoms of mental disorders.

Daily Meditation Practice for Managing Glaucoma- patients' Attitudes and Acceptance

PRECIS

63% of glaucoma patients agreed to 45-60 minutes of daily meditation. Predictors of accepting meditation included previous meditation practice, a diagnosis of glaucoma <1 year, and having a marital status of "single".

PURPOSE

To explore patients' acceptance and barriers towards 45-60 minutes daily meditation for glaucoma management and to identify glaucoma patients with higher perceived stress levels who may benefit more from meditation practice.

METHODS

Glaucoma patients attending the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia outpatient department were invited to complete a patient survey. This explored if patients would agree to 45-60 minutes of daily meditation and included the Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale questionnaires. Questionnaire scores were compared across participants' clinical and demographic characteristics using student's T-Test, ANOVA, and multiple-linear-regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 123 eligible patients screened, one hundred completed the survey (81.3%). Sixty-three (63%) patients would agree to 45-60 minutes of daily meditation if advised by their doctor. Univariate analysis showed increased acceptance of meditation (lower Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory scores) to be associated with agreeing to meditate 45-60 minutes daily (P=0.002), currently or previously practicing meditation (P=0.006 and P=0.0004 respectively), and having a marital status of "single" (P=0.02). Multi variate regression analysis showed previous meditation practice and a glaucoma diagnosis of <1 year to be predictive of accepting meditation (P=0.01 and P=0.03 respectively). There were no predictive factors of Perceived Stress Scale scores.

CONCLUSION

Given the high acceptance rate of 45-60 minutes daily meditation (63% of glaucoma patients sampled), this may be recommended for benefit of patients. Patients who have previously meditated, have a relatively new diagnosis of glaucoma, and are single (marital status) were more accepting of meditation practice.

Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Intraocular Pressure in Patients With Ocular Hypertension: A Randomized Control Trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT).

DESIGN

Parallel arm, single masked, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Sixty patients with ocular hypertension and IOP > 21 and < 30 mmHg were recruited at a tertiary eye care centre in India. Thirty patients (group 1) underwent six weeks of one hour daily MBSR sessions, while the other 30 patients (group 2) were waitlisted and kept on follow-up. The primary outcome was change in IOP (ΔIOP) after six weeks of MBSR. Secondary outcomes were effect on serum cortisol level, diurnal variation of IOP, vessel perfusion and vessel density on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

At six weeks, a significant decrease in IOP was noted in group 1 (23.05 ± 1.17 to 19.15 ± 1.45 mmHg; P = .001) compared with group 2 (22.55 ± 0.98 mmHg to 22.37 ± 1.07 mmHg; P = .107). The ΔIOP was significantly greater in group 1 (3.93 ± 1.47) than group 2 (0.17 ± 0.58; P = .001). The diurnal fluctuation of IOP decreased in group 1 (4.87 ± 1.13 mmHg to 2.73 ± 0.98 mmHg; P = .001) as compared with group 2 (4.50 ± 0.86 mmHg to 4.30 ± 0.83 mmHg; P = .227). Significant improvement in vessel perfusion, vessel density, and flux index was noted on OCTA in group 1 compared with group 2. Group 1 showed a significant decrease (P ≤ .001) in serum cortisol level and an improved QOL (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness-based stress reduction was associated with a significant decrease in IOP and serum cortisol, along with an improvement in optic nerve head perfusion and QOL. Mindfulness-based stress reduction can be considered as a potential treatment option in the management of OHT.

Systematic Review for the Medical Applications of Meditation in Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Meditation has been increasingly adapted for healthy populations and participants with diseases. Its beneficial effects are still challenging to determine due to the heterogeneity and methodological obstacles regarding medical applications. This study aimed to integrate the features of therapeutic meditation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of RCTs with meditation for populations with diseases using the PubMed database through June 2021. We analyzed the characteristics of the diseases/disorders, participants, measurements, and their overall benefits. Results: Among a total of 4855 references, 104 RCTs were determined and mainly applied mindfulness-based (51 RCTs), yoga-based (32 RCTs), and transcendental meditation (14 RCTs) to 10,139 patient-participants. These RCTs were conducted for participants with a total of 45 kinds of disorders; the most frequent being cancer, followed by musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and affective mood disorder. Seven symptoms or signs were frequently assessed: depressive mood, feeling anxious, quality of life, stress, sleep, pain, and fatigue. The RCTs showed a higher ratio of positive outcomes for sleep (73.9%) and fatigue (68.4%). Conclusions: This systematic review produced the comprehensive features of RCTs for therapeutic meditation. These results will help physicians and researchers further study clinical adaptations in the future as reference data.

Beneficial effect of mindfulness based stress reduction on optic disc perfusion in primary open angle glaucoma: A randomized controlled trial

Background and aim

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Next to intraocular pressure (IOP), vascular factors play a major role in glaucoma. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to reduce the IOP, normalize the stress biomarkers, modulate gene expression, and also improve the quality of life. This study was aimed to assess the effect of MBSR in optic disc perfusion of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Experimental procedure

POAG patients with controlled IOP (<21 mmHg) were randomised in to intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). Both the groups continued their routine glaucoma medications while the intervention group practiced 45 min of MBSR every day in addition. IOP and optic disc perfusion using OCT-Angiography were recorded at baseline and at 6 weeks for both the groups.

Results

The mean age of the participants were 53.23 ± 8.4yr in intervention and 50.23 ± 7.3yr in the control group (p = 0.06). All the baseline parameters were comparable in both groups. After MBSR, in the intervention group there was a significant reduction of IOP (p=0.001), increase in circum-papillary vessel density in superior quadrant (15.8%-17.4%, p=0.02) and nasal quadrant (14.2%-16.5%, p=0.01), increase in circum papillary vascular perfusion, in superior quadrant (38.9%-41.1%, p<0.001), in temporal quadrant (42.2%-44.5%, p<0.001), in inferior quadrant (40.1%-43.8%, p<0.001), and in nasal quadrant (40.6%-42.8%, p<0.001). There was also a significant increase in Flux Index after 6weeks (0.38-0.40, p<0.001).

Conclusion

MBSR can reduce barotrauma and improve optic disc perfusion in POAG patients and serve as a useful adjunct to the standard medical therapy.