Impact of Ocular Massage on Intraocular Pressure and Schlemm Canal Dimensions in Healthy Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

TL;DR

This study investigates how ocular massage affects eye pressure and the structure of the Schlemm canal in healthy adults.

Contribution

The study introduces a randomized controlled trial to explore the mechanism of IOP reduction via ocular massage and its effect on Schlemm canal morphology.

Findings

Ocular massage may transiently reduce intraocular pressure.

The effect of ocular massage on Schlemm canal dimensions will be evaluated.

Adverse effects on vision quality will be monitored using a mobile app.

Abstract

Ocular massage has been reported to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) temporarily. This effect could be related to enhanced aqueous humor outflow; however, the mechanism is unclear.

This study aims to examine the impact of digital and EyePeace ocular massage on IOP fluctuations and investigate whether the observed reduction in IOP is attributable to morphological changes in the Schlemm canal (SC).

Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to 1 of 3 groups: digital ocular massage, EyePeace ocular massage, or no ocular massage. The primary outcome measure will be IOP. The secondary outcome measures will include anterior segment optical coherence tomography assessment of the SC and trabecular meshwork. In addition, adverse events in the quality of vision will be monitored and documented using a mobile app–based questionnaire. All assessments will be performed at baseline and 10 minutes after the assigned interventions.

Data collection was completed in the summer of 2025. The study results are expected to be published by the end of 2025.

This study will investigate the impact of ocular massage on IOP and SC dimensions by using a randomized controlled design. As preliminary evidence suggests that ocular massage may transiently reduce IOP by enhancing aqueous humor outflow, this study will aim to clarify the underlying mechanism. By comparing digital ocular massage, EyePeace ocular massage, and no ocular massage, the study will assess changes in IOP and SC morphology. The findings are expected to provide insights into the role of mechanical manipulation in modulating aqueous humor outflow, potentially informing nonpharmacological strategies for possible glaucoma management.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400093512; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=250459

DERR1-10.2196/78864

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