Question:
blurry vision after RNY

I'm 4 mo. post-op. I have had no problems and everything is going well except for my vision. For 7 years before surgery, I was being treated for diabetes with actos. I haven't had to take it since I left the hospital. I had an eye exam about 6 mo ago and all was ok. Anyone else had this problem?    — robinjyoung (posted on March 10, 2009)

March 11, 2009
hi robin. congratulations! i am 4 1/2 yrs post op and i had vision changes also. it happened several months post op as well. i don't have diabetes but my husband is an ophthalmologist and he said it has to do with fluid shifts in your body, and you have fluid in your eyeballs. a shift in fluid can cause the eye to "accomodate" differently. it will correct itself. however--- you are diabetic and that's a horse of another color. are you checking your blood sugars? an increase in blood sugar over a period of time can also cause visual changes. i would check your blood glucose. if that is well under control then i would see an ophthalmologist (not optometrist)
   — libby17326

March 11, 2009
I had some blurry vision shortly after surgery. I was told it could be caused by dehydration--not getting enough fluids. Because you are diabetic though, I would not delay in getting to your dr to have it checked out.
   — Tina G.

March 11, 2009
Robin, I agree with the other posters here. Have an opthalmalogist check your eyes. Fluid shift is possible cause. But do check blood sugar and go to your regular doc or your endocrinologist. Losing excess weight is fine; losing too much or a sudden change in metabolism as with weight loss surgery could be causing your vision problems. Let us know how you are doing and what the docs advised. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

March 11, 2009
Thanks for asking this question. I am not a post op yet but I've had the same problem. Fluid shifts makes sense. I've lost 17 lbs during my 6-mo diet phase and had debated on getting new glasses but I think I'll put up with the blurriness a tad long as the fluid shifts are bound to continue with further weight loss after surgery. Or at least as long as I can put up with the annoyance of slightly out of focus vision. I wear bifocals now and I seem to be able to read print near or far only thru that part of my lenses. Now I'm the picture of the proverbial old lady with specs on the tip of her nose with her head in a perpetual cocked back position. :o)
   — Arkin10

March 12, 2009
Yep, me too, I now wear glasses! I never had an issue with my vision before. I do believe it is related though to the suregery..I am 4 years out! Tina
   — BeBlessed

March 12, 2009
I'm 1 month out (rny) and have never needed glasses or had vision problems. Now, sometimes my vision is so blurry I can't read or see the computer screen! It's pretty freaky, so I'm glad to know that there's a possible reason for it. I'm going to mention it to my doc at my next appt. I also heard it might have something to do with the anaesthesia, but I don't know...
   — cathycros

March 14, 2009
What about natural age changes? You may be developing presbyopia. Presbyopia: The loss of the eye's ability to change focus to see near objects. Presbyopia is associated with aging. It occurs in everyone. The first sign is often the need to hold reading material farther away.
   — cvalent1