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Massages age great for relieving stress after too much pressure at
work. However, untangling those knots in your shoulders after a
burdensome day can inadvertently put too much pressure on your eyes
instead.
A recent study has shown that receiving massages
facedown can increase eye pressure among people with normal eyes.
The study conducted by Asian Eye Institute (AEI) principal
investigator Dr. Edgar Leuenberger, AEI Glaucoma Fellow Dr. Jay
League, and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center (UERMMC)
chief resident Dr. Jonathan Rivera.
Our eye have their own pressure called
intraocular pressure (IOP). Where high blood pressure can lead to a
stroke or heart attack, abnormal eye pressure may damage the optic
nerve, the “cable” that carries messages from the eyes to the
brain, resulting in what we call sight or vision. The condition in
which IOP is consistently high and should be controlled is called
glaucoma.
In the study, a group of 46 subjects aged
25 to 35 years received 30-minute face-down back massages with their
faces placed on an open cushion, like those found in spas, leaving a
portion of their faces suspended (including the eyes).
The subject’s eye pressures prior to the
massages were all normal (10 to 20 mmHg). Immediately after the
massages, eye pressures rose to 50 percent above baseline
measurements. These could be attributed to the effect of the
gravity’s pull on the eye, as well as the effect of the massage on
blood flow distribution. Pressure levels returned to normal 10
minutes after the massage.
Alternatives
People who already know that they have glaucoma
or abnormally high eye pressure levels should stop having face-down
massages. Spas today offer interesting alternatives that as just as
relaxing, where one can be in a lying, reclining, or sitting
position, relieving pressure from the eyes.
As for those who enjoy face down massages
regularly, or plan to have one soon but don’t know the status of
their eyes, a comprehensive eye checkup is highly recommended. If
you are over 60, suffer or have suffered from an eye disease or
injury, or have a family history of glaucoma or diabetes, it is
especially important for you to visit a specialist.
You will enjoy those massages more with the
peace of mind that comes with knowing your eyes are safe and cared
for. For details, call Asian Eye Institute at 898-2020.
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