Relationship of body composition parameters and intraocular pressure: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: To comprehensively examine correlations between detailed body composition parameters, including fat distribution and body water compartments, with IOP in a well-characterised adult population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 120 participants (60 males and 60 females) aged 18 years and older. Body composition assessment was performed using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, measuring BMI, body fat mass index (BFMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat percentage, dry lean weight, total body water percentage (TBW%), intracellular water percentage (ICW%), and extracellular water percentages (ECW%). IOP was measured using Canon TX-20P noncontact tonometry. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess relationships between body composition parameters and IOP. Results: Participants had a mean age of 47.09 ± 9.91 years; 35.8% were overweight. Mean IOP was significantly higher in females (16.08 ± 2.94 mmHg) versus males (14.52 ± 2.85 mmHg, p = 0.004) and in overweight participants (16.48 ± 2.54 mmHg) versus normal weight (13.19 ± 2.56 mmHg, p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed between IOP and BMI (r = 0.447, p < 0.001), BFMI (r = 0.421, p < 0.001), and fat percentage (r = 0.331, p < 0.001). Conversely, significant negative correlations were found with TBW% (r = −0.430, p < 0.001), ICW% (r = −0.391, p < 0.001), and ECW% (r = −0.343, p < 0.001). FFMI showed no significant correlation (r = 0.075, p = 0.418). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that adiposity measures correlate positively with IOP, while body water distribution parameters show inverse relationships. These findings suggest that body composition assessment, particularly fat distribution and hydration status, may serve as valuable adjuncts in glaucoma risk stratification and support targeted interventions for IOP management.