Ocular perfusion pressure variation in relation to gender and body mass index in healthy young adults

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. The good irrigation of the ocular tissues is ensured by an adequate ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) which depends on a complex regulatory process that balances blood pressure (BP) and the intraocular pressure (IOP). Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to study the role of gender and BMI on OPP in healthy young adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 healthy young adult volunteers comprising 50 obese (25 males and 25 females) and 50 non-obese (25 males and 25 females) in the age group of 18-19 years were selected among MBBS Phase I students of JSS Medical College, JSSU, Mysuru. BP and IOP were recorded using standard methods. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and OPP were calculated. Results: Systolic BP (P < 0.001), MAP (P < 0.001), IOP (P < 0.05), and OPP (P < 0.05) were higher in obese group when compared with non-obese group. MAP and OPP were significantly higher in obese males when compared with obese females (P < 0.001). Similarly, significantly higher MAP and OPP were observed in non-obese males when compared with non-obese females (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The MAP, IOP, and OPP were significantly higher in obese group. There exists a significant gender difference in MAP and OPP, which were significantly higher in males.