Breathing Exercises + Meditation for Glaucoma

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this electronic feasibility clinical trial study is to evaluate the effects of breathing and meditation techniques on stress levels in patients with glaucoma. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does breathing and meditation decrease the level of stress in glaucoma patients? * Does breathing and meditation improve disease specific quality of life in glaucoma patients * Does breathing and meditation affect the importance that in glaucoma patients place on future consequences? Participants will participate in online session where they will be taught proper breathing and meditation technique to practice. They will also be completing online questionnaires following independent practice sessions over time. Researchers will compare the breathing and meditation group to the usual care group to see if the outcomes are different.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for glaucoma patients aged 40-65 who can consent, read English, and have no major mental health issues. They must be able to sit comfortably for half an hour, hear well with closed eyes, and access a computer for virtual sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

Being able to read and understand English

I have been diagnosed with glaucoma.

I am in good overall health.

+6 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if breathing exercises followed by meditation can reduce stress and improve life quality in glaucoma patients. Participants will learn these techniques online and practice independently while their results are compared to those receiving usual care.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Breathing Exercises followed by MeditationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Breathing exercises and Meditation taught by Prasanna Wellness, a non-profit organization, helps dissolve stress and create a proper system in the mind. These breathing exercises include slow deep breaths and rapid breaths and are followed by meditation. Participants will receive three weekly online instructions (90 minutes each) by trained instructors in addition to standard care. Weekly 60 minutes follow-ups will include 10 minutes of breathing exercises followed by 33 minutes of guided meditation practice, and then focus on participants' experiences with breathing exercise followed by meditation during the week, additional observations, and a review of relevant knowledge to support their home practice.

Group II: Treatment as UsualActive Control1 Intervention

The usual standard of care for patients with glaucoma includes starting them on first line of drugs. Participants will be initiated and maintained on appropriate dosages of such medications as part of standard of care. The usual standard of care also includes an ophthalmic examination measuring best-corrected Snellen VA and pinhole acuities and a follow-up visit once a year.