A new study has revealed glaucoma patients with a body mass index (BMI) classed as underweight had significantly faster rates of structural loss to the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL).
Higher BMI was significantly associated with slower rates of RNFL change, according to the retrospective cohort study.
The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, 1 included 2,839 eyes of 1,584 patients with glaucoma from the Duke Ophthalmic Registry.
The authors said 43% and 54% of eyes had tobacco or alcohol consumption history, respectively, and 34% were classified as obese.
Univariable and multivariable linear mixed models were used to determine the effect of each parameter on RNFL change over time.
Higher BMI had a protective effect on glaucoma progression (0.014 µm/ year slower per each 1 kg/m2 higher; p=0.011). Tobacco and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with RNFL change rates (p=0.473and p=0.471, respectively). Underweight subjects presented significantly faster rates of structural loss (−0.768 µm/year; p=0.002) compared with normal weight.
The study authors noted, “compelling research” has linked obesity, smoking, and alcohol use to diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, but there’s no consensus on any connection to glaucoma. All three of these factors have been linked to higher risk of glaucoma, they said.
Commenting on the link between underweight and glaucoma progression, the researchers suggested that a low BMI may be a sign of poor health or coexisting systemic disorders in some cases.
References
- Youssif, A.A., Onyekaba, N., Naithani, R., et al., Social history and glaucoma progression: the effect of body mass index, tobacco and alcohol consumption on the rates of structural change in patients with glaucoma British Journal of Ophthalmology Published Online First: 15 April 2024. DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2023-323186.