About Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is recognized
risk factor for some common diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes,
heart disease and other vascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO)
defines a normal weight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5-<25 kg/m2,
excess body weight or being overweight as BMI of 25-<30 kg/m2, and
obesity as BMI of ≥30 kg/m2. Generally, the association between BMI
and risk of cataract has not been obvious.
Research on BMI & Cataract Risk
Using Meta
Analysis along with powerful
statistical analysis, researchers were able to evaluate the risk of cataracts
with being overweight or obesity by using BMI. They found that being overweight or
obese were significantly associated with an increased risk of cataracts,
especially those called “posterior subcapsular cataracts” which typically cause
the greatest vision decline. This relationship was independent of sex, alcohol
intake, diabetes and hypertension.
If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts and
weight or body mass index (BMI) please share this information with them and ask
them to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or
facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.
The Eye
Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield Avenue,
Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059
and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout
central and northern New Jersey.
