Cataract Risk & Body Mass Index (BMI)

Being overweight or obese with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) is a known risk factor for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, orthopedic and joint problems as well as a number of eye problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a normal weight with a body mass index (BMI) as18.5-<25 kg/m², excess body weight as BMI of 25-<30 kg/m², and obesity as BMI of ≥3 kg/m^2.. The relationship between Body Mass Index or BMI and risk of cataracts has been controversial and not easily evaluated.
 

Research on Cataract Risk & Body Mass Index (BMI)By using powerful statistical tools and Meta Analysis, researchers found that being overweight or obese were significantly associated with an increased risk of cataracts, especially those called “posterior subcapsular cataracts” which typically cause the greatest vision decline. This relationship was independent of sex, alcohol intake, diabetes and hypertension. 

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts and weight or body mass index (BMI) please share this information with them and ask them to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

 Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.