Co-relation between Body Mass Index and Intraocular Pressure in Adults

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is one of the world leading causes of acquired blindness. A Number of studies have attempted to identify the risk factors associated with development of elevated IOP. This study was conducted to find out co-relation between body mass index and intraocular pressure in adult patients.

Material & Methods: It was a case series study of 300 patients examined in the out patient department of Ophthalmology, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from April 2007 to November 2007.

Results: Three hundred patients were examined, 158(52.7%) were males and 142(47.3%) were females. The mean IOP was found to be 16.29+4.16mmHg, with mean age of 42.23+15.43 years. Mean body mass index was 24.76+4.74 Kg/m2. Body mass index was significantly correlated with IOP with p<0.05.

Conclusion: Increase in BMI is strongly associated with increase in IOP.