Abstract
Obesity is associated with eye diseases, but the underlying structural changes and pathogenic mechanisms have not been examined in detail. Here, we assessed the effects of morbid obesity on the morphometric indices of eye disease. Morbidly obese volunteers (n=101, body mass index [BMI] ³40) and healthy individuals (n=95, BMI: 18.50-24.99) were examined by Goldman applanation tonometry, pachymetry, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, axial length, central corneal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, central foveal thickness, and choroidal thickness were compared between groups. Uncorrected intraocular pressure was significantly greater in the morbidly obese group than in the healthy control group (15.5 ± 2.5 vs. 14.5 ± 2.6 mmHg, p=0.009), whereas axial length, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness did not differ between the groups. The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at the temporal quadrant was reduced in the morbidly obese group (72.7 ± 13.6 vs. 85.05 ± 52.6 mm, p=0.024). Similarly, the mean retinal thicknesses at nasal and temporal 1500-mm locations were lower in the morbidly obese group (346.6 ± 18.2 vs. 353.7 ± 18.8 mm, p=0.008; 323.1 ± 20.3 vs. 330.0 ± 18.9 mm, p=0.001). The mean choroidal thickness was also reduced in almost all measurement locations (fovea, temporal 500 and 1000 mm, and nasal 500, 1000, and 1500 mm) of the obese group (p<0.05). Weight and BMI were negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (r=-0.186, p=0.009; r=-0.173, p=0.015). Morbid obesity is associated with elevated uncorrected intraocular pressure and signs of neuropathy and retinopathy. Obesity may thus increase the risks of glaucoma and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Highlights
Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue can impair physical, psychosocial, and general health[1]
The mean uncorrected intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly greater in the obese group (15.5 ± 2.5 mmHg vs. 14.5 ± 2.6 mmHg; p=0.009), whereas axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and central corneal thickness (CCT) did not differ
Among morphological measures (Table 2), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the temporal quadrant was significantly reduced in the morbidly obese group compared to the healthy control group (72.7 ± 13.6 μm vs. 85.05 ± 52.6 μm; p=0.024), but no significant differences were found for the other quadrants
Summary
Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue (obesity) can impair physical, psychosocial, and general health[1]. Body mass index (BMI), calculated as weight (kg)/height (m), is the most widely adopted metric for defining underweight, overweight, and obesity. Morbid obesity is defined as BMI ≥35 kg/m2 along with accompanying illnesses or ≥40 kg/m2 without weight-related illness. Obesity is strongly related to increased morbidity and early mortality due to associated diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and cardiovascular disease[4]. Relatively few studies have examined the potential effects of obesity without associated diseases such as DM on visual health[5]. Obesity is negatively correlated with visual acuity, but the underlying eye-related problems and pathogenic mechanisms are uncertain. Obesity may impair visual function in the absence of associated diseases or in the preclinical stages
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
