Eye Info

Obesity and sight loss

Summary: Information on the link between obesity and sight loss

A overweight man measuring his stomach with a tape measure.

Recent research suggests that obesity may put someone more at risk of developing certain eye conditions, which can cause sight loss, including:

  • diabetic retinopathy - obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Someone with a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 is up to 80 times more likely to develop the condition than someone with a BMI of less than 22.
  • age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - obesity may increase the risk of developing dry AMD. Dry AMD is likely to impede the ability to carry out daily activities such as driving, reading a newspaper or watching television. Obesity also increases the speed of progression of AMD.
  • cataracts – overweight people can have double the risk of developing cataracts compared to people who are not overweight. Cataracts usually don’t lead to blindness as they are treatable.

Download our 'Feeling great, looking good' report to find out more about the link between obesity and sight loss:

Keep your eyes happy

As well as maintaining a healthy weight, there are other steps you can take today to reduce your chances of developing sight loss. Find out how you can keep your eyes happy.

Content author: eyehealth@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13

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