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Obesity, Blood Pressure, and Intraocular Pressure: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italian Children

Claudia Pileggi1, Rosa Papadopoli1, Caterina De Sarro1

  • 1Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.

Obesity Facts
|April 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

High intraocular pressure (IOP) affects 12.5% of 8-year-old children, linked to elevated blood pressure (BP) and high body mass index (BMI). This study highlights the importance of monitoring BP and BMI in children to assess risks for high IOP.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a known risk factor for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in adults.
  • Data on the relationship between obesity and IOP in children is limited and conflicting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and IOP in healthy school children.
  • To determine if obesity indicators correlate with elevated IOP in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A random sample of 8-year-old Italian students was surveyed.
  • Data collected included health status, obesity-related behaviors, height, weight, BP, and IOP measurements.
  • Physical examinations were conducted in a school setting.

Main Results:

  • 12.5% of children had high IOP, and 3.6% had elevated BP/hypertension (HTN).
  • 42.4% of participants were overweight or obese, with high rates of inadequate fruit/vegetable intake and sedentary activities.
  • Elevated BP/HTN was the sole significant predictor of ocular hypertension (OR 5.36).

Conclusions:

  • High IOP is prevalent in 12.5% of 8-year-old children.
  • Elevated IOP appears associated with high BP, which is related to high BMI in this cohort.
  • Findings suggest a link between cardiovascular health indicators and ocular pressure in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Blood pressureChildhood obesityIntraocular pressureMyopiaOverweightRefractive error

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