Dr. WALIMBE TEJASWINI PRASAD

DR. WALIMBE PRASAD BHALACHANDRA

Abstract

Pranayama has gained popularity in recent times and more so during COVID-19 pandemic. To know the effect of different types of pranayama on Intraocular Pressure (IOP) & anterior chamber (AC) angle, 30 individuals aged 25-55 years were asked to perform kapalbhati 80 strokes in 1 min, bhastrika 60 counts in 1 min (as calculated by metronome beats app), anulom-vilom 20 cycles & bhramari 10 counts.

IOP, BP, pulse rate & SPO2 was measured before & after pranayama.

AC angle was measured with ASOCT in breathin ( antar-kumbhak) & breathout( bahya-kumbhak) position.

Change in IOP was not statistically significant after kapalbhati & bhastrika ,but BP & pulse rate was increased. IOP reduced significantly after bhramari & anulomvilom. AC angle increased in breathin & decreased in breathout position.

These observations might prove useful in counselling glaucoma & glaucoma suspect patients about pranayama and breathing exercises.