Using a mindfulness-based breathing technique reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) and serum cortisol levels and improves autonomic dysfunction in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a study found. 

In this randomised, controlled, interventional trial, 40 subjects were asked to adopt the 365-breathing technique (three daily sessions of breathing at a rate of six cycles per minute – five seconds inhaling, five seconds exhaling – for five minutes) in addition to their pharmacological glaucoma treatment. The 40 control participants continued with their pharmacological glaucoma treatment only. 

Comparing IOP, serum cortisol levels, heart rate variability and heart rate response between the two groups at baseline and during a six-week follow-up visit, researchers found the group using the breathing technique had significantly lower mean IOP (11% reduction) and serum cortisol. They also demonstrated improved autonomic dysfunction. 

The study is published in the Journal of Glaucoma.