There have been may links to obesity and vision loss or blindness. Being obese with a BMI of over 30 can increase the risk of certain eye conditions that can potentially create blindness. Things like:
Macular Degeneration– Obesity can increase the risk of Dry AMD, and even speed the progression of this. On the bright side people who lose weight in their midsection can decrease their odds of this.
Diabetic Retinopathy– Obesity increases the risk of diabetes. For each 0.1 increase in the waist/ hip ratio there is a 75% increased chance of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Cataracts– An obese person has double the risk of developing a cataract, good thing cataracts are very treatable.
Glaucoma– Obesity increases the pressures of the eyes and the risks of diabetes.
Overall health is very important not just for the body but for the eyes. Protect these precious structures and make an appointment with your eye doctor, they can monitor your eyes, and help you avoid increased risk. Make an appointment with us at North Toronto Eye Care.