The correlation between body mass index and intraocular pressure in children

Abstract

RESUMO ABSTRACTPurpose: There is evidence from some studies that support an association between obesity in adults and higher intraocular pressure (IOP). However, this association has not been completely studied in children. Our aim is to evaluate the association between child body mass index (BMI) and IOP. Methods: Ninety-six children attending the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fer nando Figueira (IMIP) in Brazil were studied. Thirty-three were overweight/ obese with a mean BMI of 29.7 ± 5.2 and 63 with a mean BMI of 20.8 ± 3.3. IOP was measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometer and was corrected for corneal thickness. The coefficient of correlation between BMI and IOP was calculated. Results: There was no significant difference in the IOP of children with or without overweight/obesity. The mean IOP was 13.5 and 13.0 mmHg for the right eye and 13.1 and 12.9 mmHg for left eye, respectively (p=0.38 and p=0.71). The results remained the same after correction by pachymetry; 13.0 and 13.1 mmHg for the right eye and 12.4 and 12.9 mmHg for the left eye, respectively (p=0.88 and p=0.41). The coefficient of correlation between BMI and IOP was 0.070 (p=0.496). Conclusion:These results do not show a correlation between body mass index and IOP in children. Further studies are warranted to clarify the association between BMI and IOP in children.

Ocular Signs Related to Overweight and Arterial Hypertension in Children: A Systematic Review

“…[34] (1565 children, non-contact tonometry) and Albuquerque et al . [44] (96 individuals; applanation tonometry) did not find association. Akinci et al .…”

Evaluation of ophthalmic manifestations according to insulin resistance, lipid and pubertal status in obese and healthy children

“…Akinci et al found that obesity was an independent risk factor for increased IOP [20]. In contrast to these results, Allb LL et al do not show a correlation between body mass index and IOP in children [5]. In the study of Koçak N, there were no significant differences in IOP measurements, central corneal thicknesses, cup/disc ratios and visual field parameters between obese and normal children [21].…”

“…Some epidemiological studies have described an association between obesity and IOP in adults [18,19]. Some authors argue that obesity increases IOP due to an excessive intraorbital adipose tissue deposit, leading to a rise in blood viscosity and episcleral venous pressure, and a consequent decrease in the facility of aqueous outflow [5]. For other authors, obesity only increases IOP when it is associated with IR [5].…”

“…Some authors argue that obesity increases IOP due to an excessive intraorbital adipose tissue deposit, leading to a rise in blood viscosity and episcleral venous pressure, and a consequent decrease in the facility of aqueous outflow [5]. For other authors, obesity only increases IOP when it is associated with IR [5]. The autonomic dysfunction and the osmotic gradient induced by hyperglycemia with a consequent fluid shift into the intraocular space have been proposed to explain the association between IOP and IR.…”

“…IR is the state of reduced tissue sensitivity to insulin [4]. IR is more frequent in children with very high BMI [5]. IR is considered to be a chronic low-grade inflammation [6,7].…”