Aggarwal S, Morya AK, Kaur R, Gurnani B, Kaur K. Role of lifestyle modifications in glaucoma: A systematic review. World J Methodol 2026; 16(1): 110410 [DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110410]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Arvind Kumar Morya, MD, Professor, Senior Researcher, Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibi Nagar, Hyderabad 508126, Telangana, India. bulbul.morya@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Ophthalmology
Article-Type of This Article
Systematic Reviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Mar 20, 2026 (publication date) through Feb 10, 2026
Times Cited of This Article
Times Cited (0)
Journal Information of This Article
Publication Name
World Journal of Methodology
ISSN
2222-0682
Publisher of This Article
Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
Share the Article
Aggarwal S, Morya AK, Kaur R, Gurnani B, Kaur K. Role of lifestyle modifications in glaucoma: A systematic review. World J Methodol 2026; 16(1): 110410 [DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.110410]
Sarita Aggarwal, Department of Ophthalmology, Santosh Deemed to be University, Ghaziabad 201009, Uttar Pradesh, India
Arvind Kumar Morya, Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad 508126, Telangana, India
Rajwinder Kaur, Department of Ophthalmology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda 151101, Punjab, India
Bharat Gurnani, Department of Ophthalmology, Gomabai Netralaya and Research Centre, Neemuch 458441, Madhya Pradesh, India
Kirandeep Kaur, Cataract, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Gomabai Netralaya and Research Centre, Neemuch 458441, Madhya Pradesh, India
Author contributions: Morya AK and Aggarwal S conceptualized the study; Aggarwal S, Kaur R, Morya AK, Gurnani B and Kaur K wrote the manuscript; Aggarwal S and Morya AK edited and re-submitted the manuscript with all the required documents.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Arvind Kumar Morya, MD, Professor, Senior Researcher, Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibi Nagar, Hyderabad 508126, Telangana, India. bulbul.morya@gmail.com
Received: June 6, 2025 Revised: June 29, 2025 Accepted: October 21, 2025 Published online: March 20, 2026 Processing time: 249 Days and 16.2 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve and gradual vision loss. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen in people over 40. Globally, around 60.5 million people are currently affected, and this number is expected to rise to over 110 million by 2040. Often called the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision has already been lost, making it a major cause of visual disability worldwide. Despite advancements in research, lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only proven way to slow or halt disease progression.
AIM
To explore the potential role of lifestyle modifications in the prevention and management of glaucoma, particularly as complementary strategies alongside traditional IOP-lowering treatments.
METHODS
An extensive review of existing literature was carried out to examine the effects of various lifestyle factors—including diet, physical activity, yoga practices, sleep posture, and the use of nutritional supplements-on the development and progression of glaucoma.
RESULTS
Several studies suggest that lifestyle changes may have a positive impact on glaucoma outcomes. Regular physical exercise, balanced nutrition, certain yoga postures, and proper sleep positioning have been associated with benefits for eye health. Additionally, some supplements may support the optic nerve and contribute to slowing disease progression. These approaches, which are already recognized in the management of other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, show promise in glaucoma care as well.
CONCLUSION
While lowering IOP remains the cornerstone of glaucoma treatment, there is growing interest in the role of lifestyle choices in influencing disease progression. Adopting healthier habits may serve as a valuable addition to existing treatment plans. More clinical research is needed to better understand these connections and to guide practical recommendations for patients and clinicians alike.
Core Tip: The pathophysiology of glaucoma is quite an enigma even with the advent of most modern diagnostic and screening tools. It’s a multifactorial group of optic neuropathy that can lead to irreversible blindness worldwide. The primary modifiable factor in managing glaucoma is reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). The usual methods are IOP-lowering drugs, laser, and complicated surgeries. But the recent trend in dealing with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and chronic glaucoma is a holistic approach including lifestyle modifications. The lifestyle factors like exercise, yogic asanas, deep meditation, diet, and nutrition can play a major role in the progression of glaucoma.
