Relation Between Body Mass Index and Dry Eye Disease: The Japan Public Health Center–Based Prospective Study for the Next Generation

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relation between body mass index (BMI) and dry eye disease (DED). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in 85,264 Japanese men and women aged 40 to 74 years who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study for the Next Generation (JPHC-NEXT Study). Dry eye disease was defined as the presence of severe symptoms or clinical diagnosis. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of DED associated with BMI and their two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We adjusted for age, cohort area, visual display terminal time, smoking status, alcohol intake, education status, income status, as well as history of hormone replacement therapy for women. Results: Prevalence of DED was 23.4% (n ¼ 19,985; 6,289 men, 13,696 women). Higher BMI was correlated with a lower prevalence of DED in a dose-response fashion, with an adjusted OR of DED (95% CI) per 1 kg/m 2 increment of BMI of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) for men and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.97-0.98) for women. Conclusions: This large population-based study showed an inverse relationship between BMI and prevalence of DED in a Japanese population. Underestimation of DED is warned, especially for participants with high BMI.

Correlation between osmolarity measurements using the TearLab™ and I-Pen® systems in subjects with a high body mass index

“…33,34 An association between DED and body fat has been established. [35][36][37] As such, high BMI is a risk factor for DED and significantly affects tear film stability and the quality of tears. 35 Furthermore, an association between BMI and floppy eyelid syndrome has been reported.…”

Effect of surgical face mask wearing on tear film in women with a high body mass index

“…In addition, a study conducted among 305 subjects using a short dry eye questionnaire suggested a medium correlation (r = 0.34, p = 0.003) between dry eye and body fat percentage [ 38 ]. However, a recent study conducted in a very large Japanese population (n = 85,264) that included males and females (40–74 years) suggested an inverse relationship between the prevalence of dry eye and a high BMI [ 39 ].…”

Relation between a history of glaucoma and subjective happiness: the JPHC-Next study

“…Of these respondents, participants who had a history of any type of cancer, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, diabetes mellitus or depression were excluded (n=20 477). We considered that participants who frequently or regularly visited a hospital because of such conditions had a greater chance of consultation with an ophthalmologist 19. Responders without information on happiness were also excluded (n=1180).…”

“…We considered that participants who frequently or regularly visited a hospital because of such conditions had a greater chance of consultation with an ophthalmologist. 19 Responders without information on happiness were also excluded (n=1180). Finally, 92 397 responders were included in this study figure 1 .…”