Obesity in the general patient population is increasing. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends bariatric surgery with body-mass index (BMI) of over 40, or between 35-40 and other significant disease that could be improved with weight loss. This prospective observational study investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP). Thirty-two consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure had IOP measurement prior and three to six months following surgery. Mean age was 40.5±12 and 24 (75%) were men. Following surgery, mean BMI decreased from 42±6 to 31±8 (p<0.001). The mean IOP decreased from 16.9±4 mmHg to 14.1 ± 3 mmHg (p<0.001). They concluded that in a cohort of obese individuals undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, there was a significant decrease in IOP measured three–six months after the procedure. The results suggest that significant weight loss could have beneficial effects on IOP in obese individuals with ocular hypertension which might enable avoidance of antiglaucoma medications. The high likelihood of a reduction in IOP should be taken into account when considering bariatric surgery in such patients and in the subsequent management of their ocular condition.
Under pressure: intraocular pressure and bariatric surgery
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