Effect of body mass index on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in adults
https://doi.org/10.21516/2072-0076-2026-19-1-38-43
Abstract
Purpose: to investigate inter-ocular variation in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, compare RNFL thickness across body mass index (BMI) categories, and examine the relationship between BMI and RNFL thickness.
Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2024 at Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital with 107 participants (46 females, 61 males) aged 27.17 ± 6.98 yrs. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen charts, and refraction and slit-lamp bio-microscopic examination was performed. BMI was calculated and classified into underweight, normal, overweight, and obese categories. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measured RNFL thickness in the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants.
Results. Statistically significant BMI differences were found between males and females. Males had an average RNFL thickness of 99.23 ± 4.9 μm, with the thinnest RNFL in the temporal quadrant. Females had an average RNFL thickness of 99.20 ± 5.33 μm, with the temporal quadrant also being the thinnest. Obese females had thicker RNFL in the superior quadrant, while obese males had thicker RNFL in the inferior quadrant. A significant positive correlation between BMI and RNFL thickness was found, particularly in the superior quadrant for obese females and the inferior quadrant for obese males. Inter-ocular differences showed thicker horizontal RNFL quadrants in the right eye and thicker vertical quadrants in the left eye.
Conclusion. Significant differences in RNFL thickness exist across BMI categories. The inferior quadrant is thicker in obese males, while the superior quadrant is thicker in obese females. Inter-ocular differences show variations in quadrant thickness between the eyes.
About the Authors
U. Ahmed
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Urwa Ahmed — B.Sc., Honor Optometry and Orthoptics, Optometrist
Rawalpindi, 4600
I. Nasim
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Iffat Nasim — B.Sc. Honor Optometry and Orthoptics, Optometrist
Rawalpindi, 4600
F. Ayub
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Fareeha Ayub — B.Sc Honor Optometry and Orthoptics, M. phill Optometry, Lecturer
Rawalpindi, 4600
A. Aziz
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Amtul Aziz — DOMS, MBBS, Head of Diagnostics Department
Rawalpindi, 4600
A. Amjad
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Azka Amjad — B.Sc. Honor Optometry and Orthoptics, Optometrist
Rawalpindi, 4600
I. Javed
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Iqra Javed — B.Sc. Honor Optometry and Orthoptics, Optometrist
Rawalpindi, 4600
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For citations:
Ahmed U., Nasim I., Ayub F., Aziz A., Amjad A., Javed I. Effect of body mass index on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in adults. Russian Ophthalmological Journal. 2026;19(1):38-43. https://doi.org/10.21516/2072-0076-2026-19-1-38-43
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