Effect of Eye Yoga and Mindful Relaxation Practices on Management of Digital Eye Strain in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Comparative Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction

Digital eye strain is caused due to extended computer, tablet, and mobile phone usage. The study objective was to assess the effect of mind and body relaxation techniques on digital eye strain in near-sighted subjects.

Materials and method

A non-randomized comparative interventional study was carried out at a tertiary care eye clinic. Near-sighted individuals diagnosed with digital eye strain (dry eyes, burning sensation, headache, and eye fatigue due to digital media usage for more than 2 hours every day) were included in the study. Those with glaucoma, post refractory error surgery, squint, eye infections and who did not give consent were excluded. There were16 participants each in intervention and control group. Intervention included paying attention to peripheral motion, slow blinking and breathing, eye, head and shoulder mobility exercises performed for two hours daily for 15 days. Visual acuity was measured using Snellen’s chart.

Results

There was statistically significant difference in the mean visual acuity within intervention group (p value -0.00001 of right eye and p value -0.0024 of left eye at 95% Confidence Interval (-0.10 to -0.45 of right eye and -0.10 to -0.40 of left eye) and between intervention and control group (p value 0.0006 of right eye p value 0.03 of left eye) at 95% CI (0.16 to 0.5: right eye, 0.02 to 0.36: left eye). Cohen’s d value for right eye was 1.0 while for the left eye was 0.9 which was large effect size.

Conclusion

Practising mind-body relaxation technique can improve visual acuity non- pharmacologically.