Yoga, eye pressure, and you: What every yogi should know about glaucoma risk

If you’re a yoga enthusiast, you already know how transformative the practice can be for your body and mind. But did you ever imagine that a yoga pose could affect your eyes? While this sounds surprising, there’s a fascinating story from medical research showing that, for a small group of people, certain yoga positions might trigger a rare eye condition called acute angle-closure glaucoma. Let’s dive into what happened, why it matters, and how you can keep your practice both safe and empowering.

When Yoga and Eye Health Intersect

Picture this: a healthy, active woman in her 40s takes up yoga. She enjoys the calming effects and the physical challenge. But after some sessions - especially those involving the shoulder stand (Sarvanghasana) and lying face down (like Salabhasana) - she notices something odd. Her vision becomes blurry, and she sees rainbow-colored halos around lights. By morning, everything returns to normal. At first, she brushes it off, but the episodes keep happening.

Curious and a bit concerned, she visits an eye doctor. Her vision is perfect, and her eyes look healthy. But the doctor notices her eye’s internal structure is a bit different: the front chamber is shallower than average, and the drainage angle (where fluid leaves the eye) is narrow. This is important because people with these features are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma - a sudden, dangerous spike in eye pressure.

The “Yoga Test” That Revealed the Truth

To figure out what was going on, doctors recreated her yoga routine in the clinic. They measured her eye pressure after an hour in the shoulder stand - no problem. But after an hour lying face down (prone position), her eye pressure skyrocketed. This confirmed that, in her case, the prone position was the trigger.

What’s happening here? In certain positions, gravity can cause the lens inside the eye to shift forward, narrowing the drainage angle even more. If the fluid can’t escape, pressure builds up - fast. For most people, this isn’t an issue. But for those with “narrow angles,” it can be a recipe for an acute glaucoma attack.

What Does This Mean for Your Yoga Practice?

Before you start worrying, remember: this is rare. Most yogis will never experience anything like this. But it’s a great reminder that yoga, like any physical activity, interacts with our unique bodies in unique ways.

If you have a family history of glaucoma, or if you’ve ever been told you have “narrow angles” during an eye exam, it’s worth mentioning to both your yoga instructor and your eye doctor. They can help you modify or avoid certain poses, especially those that involve lying face down for long periods.

And if you ever notice sudden changes in your vision - blurred sight, rainbow halos, eye pain, or headaches - don’t ignore them. These could be signs of acute glaucoma, which needs immediate medical attention.

The Bigger Picture: Mindful Movement and Self-Knowledge

Yoga is all about tuning in to your body and being present in the moment. This story is a powerful example of why that matters. By listening to your body and staying informed about your health, you can enjoy all the benefits of yoga while minimizing risks.

Regular eye exams are the best way to catch any hidden risk factors early. And open communication with your healthcare providers and yoga teachers ensures your practice is tailored to you.

So, keep rolling out your mat, breathing deeply, and moving mindfully. Yoga is a lifelong journey, and a little knowledge goes a long way in making it safe and joyful for everyone.

Writer’s Reflection: Why This Matters for Yogis

What’s especially striking about this case is the realization that certain yoga poses - particularly those involving lying face down - can actually trigger acute glaucoma attacks in people with specific eye anatomy. While yoga is usually a safe and healing practice, it turns out that for individuals with narrow angles in their eyes, the prone position can cause the lens to shift forward and block fluid drainage, leading to a dangerous spike in eye pressure.

Even more intriguing, doctors have started using what’s called the “prone-position test” to help identify people at risk for this type of glaucoma. This is a new and practical approach that highlights how a familiar yoga posture can act as a physical trigger for a rare but serious eye condition, and it offers a useful tool for diagnosis.

For yogis and instructors, this is a reminder that our bodies are unique, and we may respond differently to certain poses. If you have a family history or risk factors for glaucoma, it’s worth discussing your yoga practice with your eye doctor and your teacher. This story really shows how science and self-awareness can come together to keep our wellness journeys both safe and transformative.

Have you ever noticed unusual symptoms after yoga, or do you have questions about practicing with a specific health condition? Share your thoughts below or reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. Your yoga journey is uniquely yours - stay informed, stay mindful, and enjoy every step on the mat!

Tips for yoga practitioners:

Know Your Eye Health - Get Regular Exams
If you do yoga with prone or inversion poses, check your eye health. Ask your doctor about angle-closure glaucoma and narrow angles. Early exams catch risks before symptoms.

Modify or Avoid Risky Poses
If you have narrow angles or glaucoma history, consult your doctor and instructor before doing Salabhasana, prone poses, or face-pressure poses. Modify or skip these to reduce risk.

Watch for Warning Signs
Stop yoga and seek help if you get blurred vision, halos, eye pain, or headaches after practice. These may signal acute angle-closure glaucoma, an emergency.

Inspired by the research of J.A. Fahmy & H. Fledelius, Acta ophthalmologica, 1973

doi: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.1973.tb08249.x