The relationship between vertical cup-disc ratio and body mass index in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and risk factors to developing glaucoma must be determined early to prevent blindness from the disease. To determine the relationship between vertical cup disc ratio (VCDR) and body mass index (BMI) in a population screened for glaucoma in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This study was part of a one-day screening exercise for glaucoma at the University of Port Harcourt. Demographic data included age, sex, race and occupation. Height was measured with a wall-mounted tape and weight with a bathroom scale. Intraocular pressure was measured with Perkins applanation tonometer and funduscopy was with direct ophthalmoscope. BMI was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (Weight/Height2). A total of 491 subjects were screened; consisting of 230 males (46.8%) and 261 females (53.2%). The mean age was 35±13.29 years. About 28%(n=141) of the participants were overweight while 17.7%(n=87) were obese. The mean BMI was 25.39 ± 4.82 kg/m 2 and the mean VCDR for both eyes was 0.38±0.13mmHgratios have no units. Most participants (n=864; 89.4%) had normal VCDR. Only 102 (10.6%) had cupped discs. There was no statistically significant relationship between BMI and VCDR (P= 0.947; R2 = 0.01). Obesity was not associated with a larger VCDR.