Musik und Glaukom

Abstract

Music may have multiple influences on the human organism. A possible therapeutic effect for patients with glaucoma has been postulated, aside from the known impact of music on the cardiovascular system, psychogenic effects and a short-term improvement in mental performance (Mozart effect). The higher level of mental stress in patients with glaucoma and type-A personality behaviour may be related to higher intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Relaxing music may have a positive impact in these patients, related to a reduction in intraocular pressure or its fluctuations. However, only limited data exist on the effects of music on intraocular pressure. No clinical studies have yet been performed to investigate the effect of music or music therapy on glaucoma progression. The music of Mozart may influence visual field examinations, possibly due to a positive short term effect on mental performance. This factor needs to be addressed in studies dealing with the effect of music in glaucoma. The relevance of intraocular pressure increases in professional wind instrument players is controversial. An increased level of care might be advisable in patients with advanced glaucoma. The influences of music on humans, altered personality profiles in patients with glaucoma and the studies showing some effect of stress on intraocular pressure stress the relevance of psychological support for glaucoma patients, who are confronted with a disease with a high longterm risk of blindness.

Personality types of patients with glaucoma

“…[ 13 ] Two types of questions are used in the study, that is, identification of personality traits and determination of the personality distribution. [ 13 ] The former included 12 personality traits, while the latter divided the subjects into 5 types through the Yatabe-Guilford Profile personality test. The level of nervousness in the glaucoma group is significantly higher than in control group and retinitis pigmentosa group.…”

“…[8] In addition, one study set 3 groups (the control group, the retinitis pigmentosa group, and the glaucoma group). [13] Two types of questions are used in the study, that is, identification of personality traits and determination of the personality distribution. [13] The former included 12 personality traits, while the latter divided the subjects into 5 types through the Yatabe-Guilford Profile personality test.…”

“…[5] Although many studies explored the negative psychological factors or specific personality of glaucoma patients, they all empathized the important roles of the negative psychological factors or specific personality in the treatment of glaucoma. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Stress reduction, like biofeedback, meditation, and relaxation exercises could avoid glaucoma and reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP). [6] To improve the emotional condition of glaucoma patients seemed to be meaningful for the quality of patients' lives and the treatment.…”

“…In order to provide more effective treatment for glaucoma patients, their mood and personality characteristics are increasingly being paid attention to [5] . Although many studies explored the negative psychological factors or specific personality of glaucoma patients, they all empathized the important roles of the negative psychological factors or specific personality in the treatment of glaucoma [6–13] . Stress reduction, like biofeedback, meditation, and relaxation exercises could avoid glaucoma and reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) [6] .…”

Eye-tunes: role of music in ophthalmology and vision sciences

“…This is an area that is less explored and there is paucity of data on the effect of music on IOP and disease progression. 20 Physiological (IOP, ocular blood flow) and psychological variables of patients have been shown to be positively influenced by hypnosis, and music hold promise owing to their cost-effectiveness and safety. 21 Similarly, the short-term effect of additive relaxation music on physiological and psychological parameters of primary open-angle glaucoma patients was studied by Bertelmann.…”