Anthropometric Measures and Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: The Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Yihua Yue1, Sangita P Patel2,3, Jing Nie1
1Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|February 10, 2025
Summary
Higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were linked to a reduced risk of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) in postmenopausal women. These anthropometric measures, especially abdominal obesity indicators, may play a role in FECD susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a leading cause of corneal transplantation in the US.
- Both genetic and environmental factors are implicated in FECD development.
- Previous research suggested links between anthropometric measures (height, weight, BMI) and FECD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between anthropometric measures and the incidence of FECD.
- To analyze data from postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS).
Main Methods:
- Utilized Medicare Part B claims data from the WHI-OS (1993-2019) to identify incident FECD cases.
- Measured height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference at baseline and follow-up.
- Calculated body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) at various time points.
- Employed adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Identified 1399 incident FECD cases over 276,443 person-years.
- No significant association found between baseline height and FECD risk.
- Higher baseline BMI (≥35 vs. <25 kg/m²) showed a reduced risk of FECD (HR=0.68).
- Inverse associations observed for continuous WC (HR=0.97 per 5 cm) and WHR (HR=0.92 per 0.1 unit).
Conclusions:
- Inverse associations found between BMI, WC, and WHR and incident FECD in postmenopausal women.
- Findings suggest a potential role for anthropometric measures, particularly abdominal obesity indicators, in FECD susceptibility.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking obesity and FECD risk.
