EVALUATING YOGA INTERVENTION AS A THERAPY FOR DRY EYE DISEASE: TARGETING OXIDATIVE STRESS AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Dry eye disease (DED) encompasses multifactorial ocular surface pathology causing discomfort and visual disturbances, characterized by a vicious cycle of tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, chronic inflammation and neurosensory abnormalities which subsequently lead to ocular surface damage. It is no longer a disease confined to the geriatric population, but is an emerging health problem affecting younger individuals as well. Conventional treatment modalities include artificial tears, anti-inflammatory eye drops, and lifestyle modifications, but their effectiveness is often limited, and long-term adherence can be challenging. Mind–body practices such as yoga and meditation have been shown to reduce systemic oxidative stress, modulate autonomic balance, and improve overall wellbeing. However, there is limited evidence regarding their role in ocular surface disorders such as DED

This prospective interventional comparative study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a structured yoga and meditation program on clinical tear film parameters, antioxidant status and inflammatory markers in 100 patients diagnosed with DED

DED diagnosed patients were divided into two groups: the yoga/meditation group (n = 50) and the non-yoga control group (n = 50). Yoga group underwent sixty days structured program comprising of 20 minutes of breathing exercises, 20 minutes of subtle physical exercises and 20 minutes of meditation. The non-yoga group continued with their regular routine and standard care without yoga intervention. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed at baseline (Day 0) and post-intervention (Day 60). Biochemical analysis of blood and tear samples for antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory marker were done at both time points

The yoga group demonstrated significant improvements in various ocular surface and tear film parameters viz. Schirmer’s test values, tear film break-up time, tear meniscus height, tear break-up time and lipid layer thickness as compare to control group. Meibography revealed significant structural improvement in the yoga group whereas no significant changes were seen in the non-yoga group. Biochemical analysis revealed that yoga group had significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and a reduction in oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, cortisol) and inflammatory marker (TNF-α) indicating reduced oxidative damage and inflammation while there is no significant change in non-yoga group over the same period

This study demonstrates that yoga and meditation significantly improve tear film health and systemic antioxidant status and reducing inflammation suggesting that these benefits are mediated through mechanisms involving stress reduction, improved autonomic regulation, and mitigation of oxidative stress. As a simple and conservative therapy, yoga is a promising adjunct therapy for DED, especially for prevention in high-risk groups