Reduction of intraocular pressure after bariatric surgery

Purpose: To investigate the effects of bariatric surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: We prospectively enroled consecutive obese patients who underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure. We measured IOP prior to and 3–6 months following surgery and recorded medical and demographical parameters. Results: Thirty-two patients completed all evaluations. Mean age was 40.5 ± 12 and 24 (75%) were men. Following surgery, mean body-mass index (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). The extent of IOP reduction was correlated with the baseline IOP (Pearson r = 0.737, p < 0.001) and central corneal thickness (Pearson r = 0.453, p = 0.010). Conclusion: In a cohort of obese individuals undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, there was a significant decrease in IOP measured 3–6 months after the procedure. Our 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.