Experts warns people of Portsmouth how being overweight can impact eyesight
While many people in Portsmouth are aware that obesity can increase the risk of serious health conditions, fewer understand how it can directly affect vision.
Ahead of National Obesity Week (10th–16th January), Optical Express is highlighting that maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about overall wellbeing, it can also play a key role in protecting your eyes from sight-threatening conditions.
Vision expert Dr Stephen Hannan explains that being overweight can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. When these are compromised, the eyes receive less oxygen and fewer nutrients, which over time can increase the risk of serious conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
While excess body weight doesn’t automatically mean these conditions will develop, it can make them far more likely to progress over time.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of these conditions, supporting both your general health and vision.
Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said: “Obesity affects the body in many ways, but the eyes are often overlooked. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — which are commonly associated with being overweight — can all lead to serious vision problems if left unchecked.
“Early intervention is crucial, and regular eye tests can help detect subtle changes in vision before they progress to more serious conditions. If you notice symptoms such as blurriness, double vision, eye pain, irritation or sensitivity to light, it’s important to seek professional advice promptly.
“Even for those already diagnosed with conditions like cataracts or AMD, adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help slow further deterioration and support long-term vision. Small steps today can make a big difference to your eye health in the future.”
Optical Express is encouraging people to use National Obesity Week as a reminder to prioritise their eye health as well as their overall wellbeing. By making small, sustainable lifestyle changes and attending regular eye examinations, it’s possible to reduce the risk of obesity-related vision issues and support long-term eye health.
Dr Hannan’s recommendations for leading a healthier lifestyle
1. Eat a balanced diet
Focus on incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains into your meals, while limiting salt, saturated fats and sugar to help manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E can also help protect your eyes and support long-term vision.
2. Exercise regularly
Engaging in regular physical activity is a key way to maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation, which in turn benefits the eyes. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and break up sedentary periods with short walks or stretches to maintain metabolic health and ensure a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to the eyes.
3. Avoid fad diets
Rapid weight loss through extreme or restrictive diets can be stressful for the body and difficult to sustain long-term. Instead, focus on gradual, maintainable changes that support overall health. Long-term healthy habits are far more effective in protecting both vision and general wellbeing.
For more information about maintaining eye health or to arrange an eye examination, visit www.opticalexpress.co.uk.