Korean J Ophthalmol.  2024 Apr;38(2):137-146. 10.3341/kjo.2023.0102.

The Relationship between Myopia and Obesity in Adults

• Noh YH
• Jung KI

• KMID: 2554168
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2023.0102

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the relationship between myopia and obesity through direct measurements of fat content.
Methods
A cross-sectional study used a stratified, multistage survey, the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2010). Subjects 19 years or older (n = 10,305) were included. Participants were divided into three groups according to refractive status: myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] ≤ –1.0 diopter [D]), emmetropia (–1.0 D < SE ≤ 1.0 D), and hyperopia (SE > 1.0 D). Obesity was investigated with assessment of fat mass and body mass index or waist circumference. Fat mass was measured with whole-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body fat percentage was calculated as (total fat mass / body weight × 100).
Results
Higher obesity index was found in individuals with myopic eyes after adjustment for age, sex, education level, income status, physical activity, residence, and serum vitamin D level. The significant difference in total body fat percentages among myopia, emmetropia, and hyperopia was significant in the young age group (19–39 years, p < 0.05) but not in the middle age group (40–64 years) and the old age group (≥65 years). Individuals with a higher percentage of total body fat had greater odds ratios for myopia (fourth quartile of body fat; odds ratio, 1.352; 95% confidence interval, 1.178–1.551).
Conclusions
An association was found between adiposity and myopia in relatively young adults using direct measurements of fat mass.

Keyword

Age groups; Korea; Myopia; Obesity