Course of Diabetic retinopathy following bariatric surgery in patients with Type 2 diabetes: the immediate and late impact of glycaemic control

Abstract

Background: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus, which can worsen during rapid fluctuations in glycaemic control. Bariatric surgery can cause sudden improvement in diabetes control which can affect DR in the short term.Objectives: To assess the immediate and late impact of bariatric surgery on DR status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to evaluate the need for continuing retinal screening despite improvement or remission of diabetes. Methods:A retrospective clinical observational analysis was conducted on patients who underwent bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes. One-year pre-operative and all post-operative retinal screen images were obtained and graded using the national diabetic eye screen programme grading. Conclusion:Our study demonstrates the variable nature of progression of DR after bariatric surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Long term trials are needed to identify the pattern of progression and to identify risk factors.