Yoga Poses That May Support Eye Pressure Control
Can movement help reduce eye pressure?
If you have glaucoma, you may focus on drops, surgery, or medication.
But what if gentle movement and breathing could help, too?
Yoga may support your care plan.
Let’s explore which poses to try—and which to avoid.
Why Yoga?
Yoga combines movement, breathing, and rest.
Some people find that yoga:
Lowers stress
Reduces blood pressure
Improves circulation
Promotes calm
This matters because stress and tension may influence eye pressure.
Not all yoga is helpful, though.
Some poses—like headstands—may raise pressure.
You’ll need to choose carefully.
Poses That May Help
Start with slow, steady postures.
Focus on breathing and alignment.
Avoid pressure on the head or long inversions.
Here are 7 poses to try.
1. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
Sit on the floor.
Extend your legs forward.
Bend at your hips, not your spine.
Reach toward your feet, keeping your head above your knees.
Breathe slowly.
This pose may:
Relax your back
Calm your nervous system
Lower stress
2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Lie on your back.
Bend your knees and place your feet flat.
Lift your hips slowly.
Hold for a few breaths, then lower down.
This pose opens your chest and stretches the spine.
It may reduce stress and improve blood flow.
3. Easy Pose (Sukhasana) + Breathwork
Sit cross-legged.
Place your hands on your knees.
Close your eyes.
Breathe in for 4 counts.
Exhale for 6 counts.
Repeat for several minutes.
This supports steady breathing and calm—without strain.
4. Legs on a Chair
Lie flat on your back.
Place your lower legs over a chair seat.
Adjust until your knees form a right angle.
Let your arms rest by your sides.
This restores blood flow and relaxes the body.
Avoid lifting your head.
Use a small neck pillow if needed.
5. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana)
Start on all fours.
Arch your back up (Cat), then dip it gently (Cow).
Move with your breath.
This may:
Ease tension in the spine
Support circulation
Loosen neck and shoulder tightness
Stay gentle—avoid rapid or deep backbends.
6. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Kneel on the mat.
Lower your hips toward your heels.
Rest your arms forward or beside you.
Keep your forehead just above or lightly touching the mat.
This resting pose calms the body.
If pressure rises in your head, keep your head lifted with a block or pillow.
7. Reclining Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana)
Lie on your back.
Bring the soles of your feet together.
Let your knees drop open.
Use pillows to support your legs if needed.
Close your eyes and breathe.
This pose supports relaxation without inversion.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Avoid headstands, shoulder stands, or deep forward bends
These may raise eye pressure.Keep your head above your heart
Use props to elevate as needed.Go slow
Fast flows may spike blood pressure.Focus on breath
Let your breathing guide your pace.Stop if you feel pressure
If your head feels heavy or strained, come out of the pose.
How Often Should You Practice?
You don’t need an hour each day.
Start with 10–15 minutes, 3–4 days a week.
Even a few poses can help.
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Sample Routine
Here’s a simple 15-minute plan:
Easy Pose + Breathing – 3 minutes
Cat-Cow Stretch – 2 minutes
Bridge Pose – 2 minutes
Seated Forward Fold – 2 minutes
Reclining Bound Angle – 3 minutes
Legs on a Chair – 3 minutes
Finish with quiet breathing.
Can Yoga Replace Medication?
No.
Yoga may support your care, but it doesn’t replace eye drops, checkups, or surgery.
Use yoga as one part of your daily support plan.
Tell your doctor before starting new exercises.
If you feel lightheaded or strained, stop and rest.
Final Thoughts
Your eyes respond to your whole body.
Yoga may offer one way to reduce stress and support pressure balance.
Start simple.
Breathe deeply.
Give your body space to reset.
And let your practice grow, one breath at a time.
