We often see eye yoga on social media… But does eye yoga really provide the claimed benefits? How do other yoga asanas (postures) affect our eye health?

Eye yoga reduces eye strain
In 2020, the International Journal of Yoga published a scientific study investigating the effects of eye yoga. One group practiced yoga eye exercises for 6 weeks and the other group did not practice yoga eye exercises. It was found that the symptoms of eye fatigue were reduced in those who did yoga eye exercises, while in the other group, the symptoms of eye fatigue were considerably higher. As a result of the study, yoga eye movements were found to help reduce eye strain symptoms and pain around the eyes by exercising the eye muscles.

Eye yoga does not correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism
The claim that eye yoga corrects eye disorders such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism is not true. In addition, eye yoga is not good for dry eyes and does not reduce dark circles under the eyes as claimed.

Some yoga asanas (postures) increase eye pressure
A scientific study published in 2023 investigated the effects of yoga postures on eye pressure in healthy individuals. This study included 107 volunteers practicing yoga. These volunteers practiced yoga at least 5 days a week for 12 weeks. Their eye pressure was measured before and after each posture before and every 4 weeks during the study. Some of the postures, including deep meditation and alternative breathing techniques, reduced intraocular pressure. But yoga headstand, bellows breathing and breath control temporarily increased intraocular pressure. If you suffer from glaucoma, you should avoid these yoga poses…

October 2023