# Evaluation of the Effect of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference on Ocular Health Parameters in Children and Adolescents

## TL;DR

This study finds that childhood obesity is linked to higher eye pressure and thicker corneas, suggesting potential impacts on eye health.

## Contribution

The study establishes a novel association between childhood obesity and ocular parameters like intraocular pressure and corneal thickness.

## Key findings

- Overweight and obese children had significantly higher intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to normal-weight children.
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) increased significantly with higher BMI and waist circumference.
- Waist circumference showed strong correlations with BMI and IOP, indicating a potential role in ocular health.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is a significant health concern also capable of impacting ocular health. This study evaluates the effects of childhood obesity on corneal morphology, anterior chamber parameters, intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal endothelial cell morphology. Understanding these relationships may contribute to early diagnosis and management strategies. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Harran University Faculty of Medicine between January and December, 2024. Ninety children aged 7–17 years were included, with only the right eyes being analyzed. The participants were categorized into three groups based on body mass index (BMI) percentiles: normal weight (≤85th percentile), overweight (86–94th percentiles), and obese (≥95th percentile). All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations, including IOP measurement with a non-contact tonometer, corneal topography assessment using a Scheimpflug camera, and endothelial cell morphology evaluation via specular microscopy. Results: IOP was significantly higher in the overweight and obese groups (p < 0.001). Central corneal thickness (CCT) also increased significantly in these groups (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were determined between BMI and IOP (r = 0.493, p < 0.001) and CCT (r = 0.345, p < 0.001). Additionally, waist circumference exhibited a strong correlation with BMI (r = 0.905, p < 0.001) and a significant association with IOP (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of other anterior chamber or endothelial parameters. Conclusions: Childhood obesity is associated with increased IOP and CCT, suggesting potential alterations in corneal biomechanics and ocular physiology. These findings highlight the importance of routine ophthalmological evaluation in obese children to detect early ocular changes and prevent long-term complications.