Dental work

[Fudgewick]

My dentist does my general examination with my head lower than my body. As I am going to have some dental work which will take some time, should I ask him to place me in a more upright position? Clearly I am concerned that prolonged "dangling upside down" might cause the pressures to increase. If anyone has any knowledge about this I would be very grateful.

[PBX142]

This always concerns me....I make my dentist aware and he raises the seat for me as far as he is able so that he can see to do the work and my head is higher than my body. I guess it's a compromise. But no I wouldn't settle for having my head lower than my body for any length of time.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

As PBX142 has mentioned, you should make sure the dentist is aware of your diagnosis and they can adjust the seat for you. Any position that causes the head to be lower than the heart for a period of time, can affect the eye pressure so should be avoided. Which is why positions such as the downward dog in Yoga should be avoided.

[Iona57 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Hi Trish. What would count as a 'long ' period of time, please. I've been a bit concerned about my chiropractic treatment when have to lie face down for maybe 5 minutes. However my head is on a level with my body, not lower.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Iona57]

Any exercise or position that causes the head to be below the heart for more than one minute should be avoided, but we are talking extreme lowering of the head and not just a slight tilt.

As you are always level during your appointment there is nothing to be concerned about, but you can always share your concerns with the chiropractor

[Iona57 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you Trish, that's helpful and reassuring. She has advised some exercises which involve a slight downward tilt so I'll stop worrying about those!