Our Summary

This research paper looks into how bariatric surgery (a type of weight loss surgery) affects the structure of the retina and optic nerve in obese patients. Obese patients often have damage to their optic nerve, and this study aimed to see if bariatric surgery could reverse this damage.

The researchers studied patients who were about to have bariatric surgery, measuring various aspects of their eyes before and 6-12 months after the surgery. They found that the surgery led to a significant thickening of the retina, but didn’t make a significant difference to the thickness of the optic nerve or other parts of the eye.

This thickening of the retina happened regardless of whether or not the patients had diabetes, and seemed to be linked to various health factors like blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels before the surgery. The researchers believe this thickening could mean that the retina is getting a better blood supply after the surgery.

In simple terms, this study suggests that bariatric surgery might be good for the health of the retina in obese patients, but doesn’t seem to reverse damage to the optic nerve.

FAQs

  1. Does bariatric surgery have an effect on the structure of the retina in obese patients?
  2. Does bariatric surgery reverse damage to the optic nerve in obese patients?
  3. Are the changes to the retina after bariatric surgery linked to health factors like blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing retinal surgery to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that could strain the eyes. They may also recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support the healing process and overall eye health.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended retinal surgery are those who have conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal tears, and other retinal disorders. These conditions can lead to vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly. Retinal surgery is often recommended when other treatments, such as medication or laser therapy, are not effective in treating the condition.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  • Patients may experience vision problems such as blurriness, distortion, or loss of vision.
  • They may undergo various eye exams and tests to determine the extent of the retinal damage.
  • Patients may be advised to stop taking certain medications or to follow specific pre-operative instructions.

After retinal surgery:

  • Patients may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye immediately after surgery.
  • They will be given post-operative instructions on how to care for their eye and manage any pain or discomfort.
  • Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and check for any complications.
  • Over time, patients may notice improvements in their vision as the retina heals and regenerates.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after retinal surgery involves pre-operative preparations, the surgical procedure itself, and post-operative care and follow-up to ensure a successful recovery and improved vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific changes in my eye structure can I expect after bariatric surgery?
  2. Will bariatric surgery improve my vision or reduce the risk of eye complications associated with obesity?
  3. How soon after surgery will I see any improvements in my eye health?
  4. Are there any potential risks or complications related to my eyes that I should be aware of before undergoing bariatric surgery?
  5. Will I need to follow up with an eye specialist after the surgery to monitor any changes in my eye health?
  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or medications I should consider to further improve my eye health post-surgery?
  7. How does my overall health, such as blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, affect the health of my eyes before and after surgery?
  8. Can you provide more information on how the retina thickens after bariatric surgery and its impact on my eye health?

Reference

Authors: Laiginhas R, Guimarães M, Cardoso P, Santos-Sousa H, Preto J, Nora M, Chibante J, Falcão-Reis F, Falcão M. Journal: Obes Surg. 2020 Dec;30(12):4877-4884. doi: 10.1007/s11695-020-04904-7. Epub 2020 Aug 10. PMID: 32779075