When we start listing the co-morbidities of poor weight control, the “usual suspects” that first enter the conversation are diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and arthritis/pain. However one of the organs potentially impacted greatly by poor weight control is our eyes.
Here are some of the eye problems linked to poor weight control, many of which are serious with potential blindness as an outcome:
- diabetic retinopathy
- age-related macular degeneration
- glaucoma
- retinal vein occlusions
- floppy eyelid syndrome
- stroke causing visual loss
- thyroid-related eye diseases
We often take our vision for granted but think about how very poor vision would impact your life: Not being able to drive, needing the assistance of others, not being able to read….these major life changes and more could be the eventual outcomes if vision is adversely impacted.
There are many motivational factors that should be employed to help us stay steadfast on our weight control efforts. Maintaining eye health should be added to the list.
