EFFECT OF OCULAR YOGA ON INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE FOLLOWING PROLONGED SCREEN TIME: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: Prolonged digital screen exposure has become increasingly common among young adults and is associated with visual fatigue, ocular discomfort, and transient changes in intraocular pressure (IOP). Ocular yoga exercises have been proposed as a simple, non-pharmacological approach to alleviate screen-related ocular stress and improve visual function.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of different ocular yoga exercises on intraocular pressure following prolonged screen exposure among healthy young adults.

Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted among 76 healthy participants aged 18-25 years. Participants were allocated into five groups, each performing a specific combination of ocular yoga exercises after 30 minutes of continuous screen exposure. Intraocular pressure was measured using a Perkins applanation tonometer at baseline, immediately after screen exposure, and following ocular yoga intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: A significant increase in intraocular pressure was observed in all groups following screen exposure. Subsequent ocular yoga exercises resulted in significant reductions in IOP. The greatest reduction was observed in the Sideways Viewing and Distant-Near Viewing group (2.53 mmHg), followed by Blinking and Nose-Tip Gazing (2.30 mmHg). The smallest reduction was observed in the Diagonal Viewing and Acupressure group (1.20 mmHg).

Conclusion: Ocular yoga effectively reduced screen-induced elevations in intraocular pressure. Sideways Viewing combined with Distant-Near Viewing demonstrated the greatest benefit, suggesting that ocular yoga may serve as a practical strategy for managing digital eye strain and promoting ocular health.