Eye Problems and Metabolic Syndrome

Posted on by Jesse Santiano, M.D.

Glaucoma happens when fluid builds up in front of the eye according to the  American College of Ophthalmology. It is a leading cause of blindness in the over 60-year-old age group. Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) occurs when the fluid in the front part of the eye does not drain well. It is usually painless at first. This study, The Relationship Between Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Open-Angle Glaucoma from Ophthalmology, describes the association of OAG with MetS. Blood vessel damage, oxidative injury, increased the production of fluid in the eye secondary to hypertension increases the risk of developing OAG. Metabolic syndrome: a risk factor for high intraocular pressure in the Israeli population., published in IJO,  suggests that if you have elevated intraocular pressure, then you should be screened for MetS.

Acute_Angle_Closure-glaucoma (1)
Red conjunctival vessels at the corneal edge and hazy cornea characteristic of acute angle-closure glaucoma

This article in IJEM, Ocular associations of metabolic syndrome, describes the eye conditions associated with MetS as retinopathy, (destruction of the small blood vessels in the retina), Central retinal artery occlusion, (blockage of the blood vessel supplying the eye) presenting as sudden painless loss of vision and cataracts. Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation that results in hypertension play a role in the formation of cataracts.

A diagnosis of any disease related to the Metabolic Syndrome should prompt an investigation if you are at risk of developing ischemic heart disease. Talk to your doctor if there is a need to do a fasting blood sugar, serum triglyceride, and HDL level checked. Check your blood pressure and measure your waistline.

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Image Credits:

  • Acute Open-Angle Glaucoma By Jonathan Trobe, M.D. – The Eyes Have It, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16116086

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