Dr. RAJALAKSHMI

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effect of bariatric surgery (BS) on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: Obese T2D patients underwent clinical, biochemical and ophthalmic assessment and optical coherence tomography (OCT) prior to and within 6 months after BS. The central sub-foveal thickness(CFT), macular thickness(CMT) and macular volume (MV) were assessed .

Results: 25 individuals (mean age 44.2±12.8 years, BMI 40.7±7.2 kg/m2, duration of diabetes was 8.8±6.3 yrs and HbA1c 8.3±1.8%) underwent BS. 9 (36%) individuals had DR. Following BS, BMI reduced to 29.7±5.2 and HbA1c reduced to 6.1±0.8 %. 2 individuals developed DR and progression of DR was seen in 2 individuals (p=0.008). The CFT (231.8±32.3 µ), CMT (250.3 ±48.4 µ) and MV (9.3±1.4 cu.mm) increased to 249.4±25.6 µ, 275.8±13.5 µ and 10.0±0.6 cu.mm (p=0.001) respectively post-operatively .

Conclusion: DR progression was observed after BS. Close ophthalmic monitoring is advisable post BS.