Changes in intraocular pressure during simulated Moslem Prayers

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the changes in intraocular pressure [IOP] in normal eyes of 30 male volunteers performing simulated Moslem prayer in which two characteristic head-down positions are assumed during 'Rukoo' and 'Sujood'. Ten seconds after assuming such positions, the intraocular pressure increased significantly from a mean value of 17.61 mmHg +/- 3.17 in the standing position to 21 .22 mmHg +/- 3.26 in Rukoo and to 26.72 mmHg +/- 2.88 in Sujood. The intraocular pressure rise in these Moslem prayer positions might be hazardous in the immediate postoperative period following anterior segment surgery. The possible long-term effects of such repeated episodes of IPO rise on the optic nerve of normal individuals and glaucoma patients are discussed