DO YOU KNOW HOW OBESITY AFFECTS YOUR EYES?
Obesity isa rising pandemic and a threat to many developed countries in the world today. It is associated with a string of high risking diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, breathing problems, etc. One health issue which goes unnoticed by many is the impact of obesity on vision.
Blood Pressure: Eyes may be the victim of the many known health issues of obesity, mainly the effect of high blood pressures on vision. The optic nerve, the outer and inner areas of the retina derive their nourishment from the major blood vessels situated in the eye. Taking a survey it has been identified that the heart of an obese has to work harder in order to circulate blood to the entire body which causes additional pressure.
Taking into consideration the pressure added by the weight of the body and the extra pumping of the heart, the major blood vessels in the eye get subjected to the risk of damages, bursting, or getting blocked thus stopping the important nourishments to reach the critical parts of the eye. This may cause poor vision.
Diet: The diet preferred by the obese may be poor in food value and may not have enough Vitamin A and Omega 3s which help to fight the development of cataracts. It is necessary to choose the correct diet for your system according to the doctor’s advice.
Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is an age-related disease. Intensive research on the subject has recorded a steady increase in the rate of progression of macular degeneration, in the obese compared to the non-obese. Studies have revealed that a greater waist poses a higher risk of the disease ultimately leading to loss of vision. Regular physical activity has given positive results in reducing the harmful effects of the disease.
Glaucoma: There is also strong evidence according to the research conducted that glaucoma has a direct association with obesity.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Studies reveal that Obese persons are prone to acquiring cardiovascular diseases. As diabetic retinopathy is directly linked to the vascular system, the blood vessels in the eye get affected thus impairing the vision.
Hypertensive Retinopathy: Similarly high blood pressures and high cholesterol due to obesity can cause Hypertensive Retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.
Eye conditions: Besides all these eye conditions, thyroid eye disease and floppy eyelid syndrome have also been linked to obesity which is irreversible and may finally lead to vision loss.
Capping the entire studies it has been proved that obesity has a direct link to many eye problems and accelerates the process of vision loss.
Food for thought: Join the anti-obesity fight to maintain good sight.
