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?Glaucoma is a chronic disease that causes loss of vision and potentially blindness as a result of optic nerve damage, often due to increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is currently the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.1 In 2020, 4.1 million and 3.6 million adults over the age of 50 suffered from mild to severe glaucoma-induced visual impairment and blindness, respectively.1 However, these figures are likely underestimated since glaucoma can remain asymptomatic until later stages in disease progression.2 The relaxation response evoked by mind-body interventions, such as breathing exercises and meditation, is known to reduce stress and improve quality of life (QOL). In a recent study, mindfulness-based meditation was found to reduce intraocular pressure and improve QOL in patients with glaucoma.3 A feasibility study will be conducted using a mixed-method design to assess the feasibility of the online delivery of an intervention titled Breathing Exercises followed by Meditation for potentially enhancing the QOL and mental health of glaucoma patients. Upon recruitment, participants will undergo blocked randomization to either the intervention arm or usual care arm, stratified by sex. Participants in each arm will complete online questionnaires at baseline and after 12 weeks to collect data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), depression symptoms, anxiety, and sleep quality using REDCap, an electronic data capturing system provided by Lawson Health Research Institute (LHRI). Our study can help to assess the feasibility of conducting a pilot study on breathing exercises followed by meditation to assess its effects in a sample of patients with glaucoma.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for glaucoma patients aged 40-65 who can consent, read English, sit comfortably for over half an hour, and have good hearing. They should be in stable physical health without serious mental disorders or recent substance abuse. Those with severe depression or unstable medical conditions are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I do not have a significant mental health disorder.

Independent access to a computer to participate in virtual sessions

Being able to provide valid informed consent to participate in the research study

+4 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have not had a stroke, heart attack, or severe confusion in the last 6 months.

Inability to provide valid informed consent

You have already taken part in a study that used similar methods.

+5 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if breathing exercises followed by meditation can improve life quality in glaucoma patients. Participants will either do these exercises or receive usual care and then answer online questionnaires about their well-being after 12 weeks.

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: No InterventionActive 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.