EFFECTS OF SELF-RELAXATION METHODS AND VISUAL-IMAGERY ON IOP IN PATIENTS WITH OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

In this study, the effects of a training in relaxation and visual imag ery on the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) of patients with primary open-a ngle glaucoma were investigated. Twenty-three patients, aged 23-69 yea rs, were assigned either to a training group or to a waiting-list cont rol group. The intervention included a basic programme (BP) of standar d autogenic relaxation exercises and an advanced programme (AP) in whi ch special exercises in ocular relaxation and imagination of aqueous h umour drainage were conducted. IOP was measured before and after each training session. Twenty-four-hour IOP profiles were ascertained, and the water drinking test to provoke maximum IOP levels was performed du ring clinical assessments prior to the training, between the BP and th e AP and after termination of the training. Results indicate only slig ht short-term changes of IOP levels immediately after each training se ssion. However, during the course of the BP as well as of the AP a rel evant decrease in IOP could be measured. Twenty-four-hour IOP profiles as well as the water drinking test also showed significant reductions of IOP during time. Medication could be reduced for 56% of the initia lly treated patients. The findings suggest that relaxation and visual imagery techniques can be beneficial in reducing elevated IOP levels i n patients with open-angle glaucoma though the conclusiveness of the d ata is limited due to methodological shortcomings.