Despite the risks of obesity, it is a nationwide epidemic. Causing chronic diseases such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and more, obesity can also affect vision and overall eye health.

Researchers at the Goldschleger Eye Institute at the Sheba Medical Center discovered a link between clinically obese individuals and serious eye diseases such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, stroke-related vision loss, Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, floppy eyelid syndrome, retinal vein occlusions, and thyroid-related eye diseases.

Despite the evidence, many members of the public are unaware of the connection between eye health and obesity. 

Eye diseases in obesity are generally caused by peripheral artery disease, which happens when the blood vessels carrying oxygen to the feet, kidneys, and eyes become jeopardized. The tiny blood vessels in the eyes are easily compromised since they are extremely thin, about half the width of a human hair.

Obesity, poor nutrition, gout, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels are also related to forming cataracts. Cataracts is an eye disease evident by an inability to focus, with cloudy vision, and typically requires surgery.

Morbidly obese individuals are at risk for increased inner eye pressure, which might increase the chances of glaucoma and glaucomatous optic neuropathy, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness.

To mitigate eye damage, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle and eat a healthy diet. Vitamins A, C, E, zeaxanthin, omega-3, zinc, and lutein help delay or prevent eye diseases.

In addition to lowering one’s weight through a balanced diet and exercise, it is imperative to have regular eye exams to preserve eyesight. 

If you have been diagnosed with an eye disease, contact the experts at Zen Eye Institute to schedule a comprehensive eye exam today. We can help provide guidance, answer questions, and treat eye issues. 

_______________

Zen Eye Institute, formally Rohr Eye & Laser Center, has served the greater Grand Blanc area for over twenty years. Now operating under Dr. Charles Zenzen, we offer comprehensive medical and surgical eye care treating various conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, and more. For exceptional eye care at our state-of-the-art practice, call (810) 579-0202 to make an appointment today! 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Leave a Reply