Obesity and Density of the Crystalline Lens: Revisiting a Growing Dilemma

Abstract

Background/Aims: Obesity is believed to accelerate age-related cataractogenesis through various biomechanisms. On the contrary, there are also studies advocating the protective role of obesity against the cataract formation process. We investigate the correlation of body mass index (BMI) as a measure for obesity with crystalline optical lens density and opacity in a healthy adult population. Methods: In a cross-sectional setting, 93 consecutive disease-free adult individuals who were working staff of a university-based hospital were assessed for the association between crystalline lens density and opalescence [measured by the objective Pentacam HR lens densitometry and subjective Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS III), respectively] with the degree of obesity as defined by BMI. Results: LOCS III and crystalline lens density readings were positively correlated [Spearman rho CC (p value) = 0.224 (0.034)]. However, we found neither LOCS III nor crystalline lens density to be correlated with BMI [Spearman rho CC = −0.008 (p = 0.943) and −0.062 (p = 0.560), respectively]. Conclusions: Results from the present study indicate a lack of association between obesity and densitometry of the crystalline in the adult population group. Further studies are required to confirm the order of causality and pathogenesis of this finding.

Indeks massa tubuh berhubungan dengan angka kejadian katarak

“…Obesitas merupakan peradangan sistemik dengan peningkatan kadar protein C-reaktif dan sitokin proinflamasi serta peningkatan stress oksidatif yang disebabkan oleh sirkulasi yang lebih tinggi pada kadar leptin, hal ini berhubungan dengan pembentukan katarak. (29) Selain itu, obesitas dapat memengaruhi stress osmotik dan protein lensa non enzimatik. (29) IMT yang tinggi juga dapat menyebabkan denaturasi protein.…”

“…(29) Selain itu, obesitas dapat memengaruhi stress osmotik dan protein lensa non enzimatik. (29) IMT yang tinggi juga dapat menyebabkan denaturasi protein. Protein yang tertimbun pada lensa mengakibatkan koagulasi protein dan terjadi kekeruhan pada lensa.…”