Effects of metabolic and bariatric surgery on corneal and lens densitometry

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a common subtype of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), on corneal densitometry (CD) and lens densitometry (LD). METHODS: This prospective, single-center study included 58 eyes of 58 obese participants. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative CD, LD, and anterior segment parameters were evaluated using Pentacam topography. The primary outcomes were changes in CD and LD six months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 58 eyes from 58 participants, with a mean age of 36.76 ± 10.79 years, were evaluated. Six months following LSG, the average body mass index (BMI) decreased from 43.4 ± 6.6 kg/m2 to 31.54 ± 5.13 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). Central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), CD, and LD decreased significantly six months after LSG (p < 0.001). The anterior chamber depth (ACD) and angle (ACA) significantly increased six months after LSG (p < 0.001 for all parameters). Correlation analyses showed a moderate positive association between changes in CD and LD, whereas only weak correlations were observed between changes in ocular and metabolic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: LSG was associated with significant changes in CD, LD, and anterior segment parameters, suggesting a positive effect on ocular tissue transparency. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.