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01-12-2020 | Obesity | Original Contributions

Bariatric Surgery Induces Retinal Thickening Without Affecting the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Independent of Diabetic Status

Authors: Rita Laiginhas, Marta Guimarães, Pedro Cardoso, Hugo Santos-Sousa, John Preto, Mário Nora, João Chibante, Fernando Falcão-Reis, Manuel Falcão

Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 12/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Obese patients have neurodegeneration of the optic nerve demonstrated by decreased peripapillary nerve fiber layer. Whether bariatric surgery reverses this neurodegenerative process has not been explored. We aimed to evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery in the structure of the retina and optic nerve.

Methods

Multicentric observational study. Obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery were consecutively recruited and included in the study and evaluated before and 6–12 months after the intervention. The retinal structure was evaluated as retinal thickness in the different retinal layers in the foveal, perifoveal, and parafoveal regions using optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thickness and optic nerve retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were also evaluated.

Results

Eighty eyes from 40 participants were included. Globally, we found a significant thickening of the retina after bariatric surgery (foveal: 273.5 (21.5) μm vs 280.0 (28.8) μm, p < 0.001; parafoveal 332.4 ± 17.8 μm vs 336.6 ± 15.9 μm, p = 0.003; perifoveal: 293.4 ± 13.8 μm vs 295.7 ± 14.9 μm; p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were found for the ganglion cell layer, choroid, or peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness. The retinal thickening was confined to inner retinal layers and was independent of the diabetic status of the patients. After multivariate adjustment, HbA1c variation, preoperative C-peptide, preoperative hypertension, preoperative OSA, and preoperative LDL and TG levels seem to be clinical predictors of retinal thickening.

Conclusions

We found a significant thickening of the retina after bariatric surgery that was independent of the diabetic status. The thickening was confined to inner retinal layers and may represent and improve perfusion. The peripapillary nerve fiber layer remained unchanged after the surgery.

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Title: Bariatric Surgery Induces Retinal Thickening Without Affecting the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Independent of Diabetic Status
Authors: Rita Laiginhas
Marta Guimarães
Pedro Cardoso
Hugo Santos-Sousa
John Preto
Mário Nora
João Chibante
Fernando Falcão-Reis
Manuel Falcão
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Bariatric Surgery
Diabetic Retinopathy
Bariatric Surgery
Diabetic Retinopathy
Published in: Obesity Surgery / Issue 12/2020
Print ISSN: 0960-8923
Electronic ISSN: 1708-0428
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-020-04904-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Bariatric Surgery Induces Retinal Thickening Without Affecting the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Independent of Diabetic Status

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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