Bagpipes: just say NO!It is well known that the skirl of the bagpipe has a deleterious effect on both the mental and physical health of anyone unfortunate to be within earshot.. However, until now it was thought that the player was somehow immune to its horrors.
Now scientists have discovered bagpipes are dangerous to the player too.
Musicians who have to blow hard to play their instruments – such as brass, woodwind or pipes – have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
A study at Glasgow Caledonian University found that blowing into such instruments can put the eyeballs under significant stress.
The scientists said this could lead to severe damage to the optic nerve.
Dr Gunnar Schmidtmann, who led the study, added: "It doesn't matter if you are a hobby musician or a professional player. You should go to your optometrist frequently.”
Well there you have it.
