YOGA & MYOPIA: A DANGEROUS MIX

A word of caution for near-sighted Asian yoga practitioners.

It turns out that Asian females with myopia are particularly susceptible to retinal detachment or retinal tears due to the increase in the intraocular pressure.

What this means is that out of 76 yoga practitioners, 9 of them had complications such as acute glaucoma, chronic glaucoma, retinal occlusion.

There is a history of macular degeneration in my family tree, in particular, glaucoma. So I have been particularly mindful to practice a healthy eye regime. 

Please listen to your body. A family member has undergone three eye surgeries and found this article linking yoga practice to eye health.

Remember to seek immediate medical assessment if you see floaties, blurred vision, haziness, bleeding, flashes as a precaution. 

Your eyesight is precious. We are truly blessed to have some of the world's top eye surgeons in Vancouver.

In previous eye examinations, Steve and I have both been referred to eye specialists (father and son) Dr. Maberley.

And always wear UVA/UVB sunglasses when outdoors, even in cloudy weather, to protect your eyes from blindness by the damaging effects of ultra-violet radiation. 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.