Correlation of Body Mass Index with Visual Acuity among Adults

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

At present, high BMI and visual impairment are becoming serious public health concerns. According to WHO, more than a billion people are obese and almost 2.2 billion are visually impaired according to World Obesity Federation, 5.4 million Pakistani school-aged children will be obese in 2030 which creates an alarming situation. Obesity affects the quality of life in multiple manners. It is a risk factor for chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and sleep apnea syndrome. According to some studies that obesity is found to be linked with decreased visual acuity. Further, sufficient evidence elaborates that obesity is linked with various eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Various undergoing processes play role in inducing pathophysiology that leads to anterior and posterior segment eye disease in people with higher BMI.