Association Between Intraocular Pressure and Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in Korea.
Jun Young Lee1, Myung Ho Cho1, Jiwoong Lee1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|August 26, 2025
Summary
Metabolic syndrome risk factors, especially abdominal obesity, are linked to higher intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Regular IOP screening is crucial for individuals with metabolic syndrome to prevent glaucoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Metabolic Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, is linked to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Metabolic syndrome, characterized by obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, is associated with increased IOP.
- This study examines the relationship between metabolic syndrome risk factors and IOP in Korean adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome risk factors and intraocular pressure (IOP).
- To determine the relationship between specific metabolic syndrome components and ocular hypertension (OHT).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 1,896 Korean adults (aged 19-59) from the 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
- Exclusion of participants with glaucoma, prior eye surgery, or glaucoma medication use.
- Multivariate logistic regression used to assess associations between metabolic syndrome risk factors (blood pressure, glucose, insulin resistance, BMI, abdominal obesity, triglycerides, HDL) and OHT.
Main Results:
- Participants with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher mean IOP than the normal group (16.05 vs. 15.33 mmHg).
- Hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly associated with higher IOP.
- Abdominal obesity showed a strong association with ocular hypertension (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.35-6.23).
Conclusions:
- Metabolic syndrome risk factors, particularly abdominal obesity, are significantly associated with ocular hypertension.
- Regular IOP screening is recommended for individuals with metabolic syndrome to mitigate glaucoma progression risks.
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