Ocular manifestations of Obesity: Beyond what meets the eye

Abstract

Obesity has reached pandemic proportions across the globe. Though much literature is available on the metabolic complications of obesity, their ocular associations are underreported. Visual impairment further contributes to the poor health related quality of life in individuals living with obesity. In this manuscript, the authors have highlighted the key ocular manifestations that have been associated with obesity, the evidence that supports their association and the impact of weight loss on these co-morbidities. Obesity has often been negatively associated with visual acuity. Premature cataract, glaucoma and age-related maculopathy have also been shown to have a strong association with obesity. Furthermore, presence of associated cardiometabolic disorders linked with metabolic syndrome may also have an indirect impact on the eye. Conditions like diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, have commonly been described in people living with obesity. Given the huge public health impact of obesity, this manuscript highlights the unmet need of comprehensive research on the association of eye disorders and obesity in the South Asian region.