
Recognized as a global medical epidemic, obesity is a chronic condition that can negatively affect health outcomes due to excess body fat. For example, a previous post links obesity to asthma, a respiratory condition that inflames and narrows the muscles around the airways, making it harder to breathe.
Since obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation in various parts of the obesity, including the airways, it can contribute to or worsen asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Increased oxidative stress among individuals with obesity can also be associated with damage to the lung tissue, which then leads to decreased lung function and more frequent and severe asthma attacks.
However, beyond impairing lung health and contributing to respiratory conditions like asthma, research also reveals a link between obesity and various ocular diseases. Below, we take a closer look at how excess body weight can affect vision and overall eye health. We also outline lifestyle changes overweight and obese individuals can adopt to address weight-related risk factors for eye conditions.
How obesity can contribute to the risk of eye conditions
As previously mentioned, obesity is a public health challenge worldwide, making it crucial to examine the complications and comorbidities among those diagnosed with or at risk of obesity. Research published in the journal Epidemiology and Population Health found significant associations between obesity indicators and age-related eye diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Findings indicate a positive association between body mass index-defined obesity and incident cataract, incident AMD, and incident DR, particularly in Western populations. Meanwhile, waste circumference-defined obesity was associated with incident glaucoma in non-Western populations. The waist-to-hip ratio can also be used to diagnose obesity and was found to be associated with the incidence and progression of AMD.
Adiposity is one of the primary mechanisms linking obesity to eye diseases. As obesity alters the structure and function of adipose tissue, it can produce inflammatory cytokines that affect ocular tissue and thus play a role in the development and progression of the ocular conditions mentioned earlier.
Furthermore, being overweight or obese can contribute to the dysfunction of blood vessels, including the small blood vessels in the eye. These retinal microvascular changes and abnormalities ultimately increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and ADR. High blood pressure, which is common among overweight or obese patients, can also compromise the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the ocular region, making the eyes susceptible to cloudiness, structural changes, and vision loss.
Bariatric surgery, a common medical procedure for managing obesity and weight-related conditions, was found to have a protective effect against eye conditions. However, overweight or obese individuals can also adopt the lifestyle changes in the following section to reduce disease risk and preserve long-term vision health.
What overweight/obese individuals can do to take care of their eyes
Lead an active lifestyle
Since the accumulation of body fat can affect eye health and functioning, overweight and obese individuals are advised to lead an active lifestyle. Regular exercise can help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure, ultimately reducing the risk of obesity-related eye conditions.
Common examples of weight-loss exercises include brisk walking, running, cycling, aerobics, swimming, and jump rope. Additionally, these cardiovascular workouts can be complemented by strength training to maintain essential muscle mass and strength despite shedding excess body fat.
Wear sunglasses for UV protection
Research shows that constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage ocular structures and increase oxidative stress in the cornea and retina. Prolonged UV exposure can thus compound weight-related risk factors for various eye conditions, especially if you live an active lifestyle and exercise outdoors.
Fortunately, you can wear sunglasses to minimize UV damage and reduce glare and discomfort caused by the sun’s UV rays. Foster Grant has an extensive selection of sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, available in stylish and affordable options for men and women, such as the oversized Margarita SunReaders and Arrowhead wraparounds. If you have existing vision problems like age-related presbyopia, you can also get these sunglasses with multifocal prescriptions.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet is essential not only for long-term weight loss but also for sight preservation. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has a list of nutrients for eye health and disease management, allowing you to tailor your diet and nutrition accordingly.
For example, essential vitamins like A, C, E, and beta-carotene can serve as a shield against oxidative stress and damage in the ocular system and can be found in dietary sources such as citrus fruits, red and green pepper, and dark leafy greens. These eye-healthy foods also have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid weight loss, helping you improve your eye health and manage obesity at the same time.
Get regular eye exams
Beyond testing your visual acuity to update your prescription, comprehensive eye examinations are effective for early detection and prevention of eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. So, make sure to schedule a visit to a qualified eye care professional at least once a year.
The good news is that eye exams have become more accessible with the advent of tele-optometry, which allows optometrists to provide eye care services and assess test results remotely. Case in point, the 20/20NOW platform enables optical retailers to conduct eye exams and live consultations online, reducing overall cost, wait times, and backlogs for essential vision care.
Overall, making healthy lifestyle changes can help you manage your weight and address weight-related risk factors for various eye conditions. Continue reading the health resources here at Medtep to reduce the burden of obesity and improve your overall health and wellness.