Last Updated: March 18, 2023
Weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for a given individual’s height is described as overweight or obese. A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is usually considered obese. A high BMI can be linked to chronic systemic health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, stroke, cardiovascular disease, etc. In recent years, there is increasing evidence that a high BMI is associated with ocular health disease.
An active lifestyle and good nutrition have been shown to help reduce a person’s BMI and improve both general and eye health. Maintain a healthy weight and keep moving. Make sure to get a supply of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, omega 3, lutein, and zeaxanthin, as these have been shown to decrease the progression and severity of eye diseases such as macular degeneration. See your optometrist or a dietician for more information and to discuss your personal requirements.