Effects of body mass index on intraocular pressure and ocular pulse amplitude

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) on intraoeular pressure (IOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA).Methods Totally 60 healthy individuals who came to our hospital for health examination without any systemic diseases were included in the study on June 3,2013.BMI (kg/m2) was calculated for every individual.IOP and OPA were measured with Pascal Dynamic contour tonometer (DCT).Blood pressure was also measured along with the DCT.The patients were divided into three groups according to BMI,Group 1,BMI＜25kg/m2; Group 2,25kg/m2≤BMI＜30kg/m2; Group 3,BMI≥30kg/m2.Mean values of IOP,OPA,systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were used in statistical analysis.Results There were no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of IOR SBP and DBP,while OPA values had statistically significant difference between groups,and there was significantly lower in group3.Conclusions Decreased OPA values in individuals with higher BMI may indicate that subjects with higher BMI have lower choroidal perfusion and lower ocular blood flow. Key words: Body mass index;  Intraocular pressure;  Ocular pulse amplitude;  Obesity