Study finds obesity increases risk of astigmatism in young people

A new study published in The Open Ophthalmology Journal has explored the relationship between obesity and astigmatism in young people.

Researchers analysed data from 9458 school-aged children and adolescents in Nantong City, China.

They found that the prevalence of astigmatism within the study cohort was 28.5%, while the prevalence of obesity was 11.8%.

The scientists found that children and adolescents who were overweight were 1.48 times more likely to have astigmatism than those of a healthy weight. Obese children and adolescents were twice as likely to have the condition as their peers of a healthy weight.

The researchers also found that there was no connection between a young person’s weight and whether or not they were myopic.

The exact cause of the relationship between obesity and astigmatism is unclear at present, the authors highlighted.

However, they outlined one hypothesis suggesting that periorbital fat accumulation may increase eyelid tension, altering corneal curvature.

“These findings underscore the importance of maintaining healthy nutritional status in paediatric populations to mitigate refractive errors,” the scientists reflected.

The study authors noted that further research is needed on the topic.

“Public health initiatives targeting childhood obesity may mitigate astigmatism burden, though longitudinal studies are needed to confirm mechanisms,” they concluded.