Question:
I have not seen much on changes in vision as you lose weight.

My prescription has changed now 3 times since the surgery; about every 30 pounds. Opthalmologist says weight loss doesnt affect vision, Family doctor says probably IS change in metabolism; he can find nothing else wrong; blood sugar is fine, everything else is fine. Looked on internet for data on this on an opthalmology site, no data. Has ANYONE had this happen, is there any data or reason wls related, that anyone knows of?    — Johanna H. (posted on August 4, 1999)

August 4, 1999
Hi, JoHanna----I was almost relieved to see that someone had the same thing happen as me! I had my surgery July 13th, and I've lost close to 30 pounds. But I noticed a very significant change in my vision since then! Neither my PCP or my surgeon had any answers for me-----except to say that since my blood sugars are now good, and my blood pressure is also good, that MAY be the reason! I was beginning to think I was the only one this had happened to! I am going to my eye doctor soon, and I will ask him some questions about this. I bought new contacts about 3 weeks before the surgery, and now my vision is entirely different! Please E-Mail me if you find out anything!
   — Jodie S.

August 4, 1999
My eyesight has changed too, but not as drastically. About 8 months after my surgery I noticed the change. Since it had been 8 years since my last checkup I thought my sight was getting worse. Come to find out, it had improved! I believe, (just a theory), that it has something to do with the vitamins that we are taking. i.e. B-12
   — Lorraine R.

August 4, 1999
I had my RNY on May 7, and have noticed my sight has improved dramatically. My presecription for near sightedness had to be changed yearly, since I developed diabetes. Now that my blood sugar is back to normal,it seems to be reversing. My opthamologist told me that a rise in blood sugar in the eye fluid made the eye swell and caused a change in prescription. I guess the reverse is taking place now. I go for a checkup again, the end of August.
   — Bob M.

August 5, 1999
My vision does seem to be changing. I definately need bifolcals now. My doctor said that I was over 40 now and should expect such things. And that since I was experiencing major body changes there could possibly be a connection. But there is nothing documented so far.
   — Wendy Sue D.

August 5, 1999
My vision has changed also. But, um, I'm afraid it's, well, my AGE. Somewhere mid-40's, we can change frequently. I don't think it had to do with my WLS. I might FEEL and look younger, but my darned eyes never got the message that I had called a complete halt to aging!
   — vitalady

August 9, 1999
As an update, I went to a new opthalmologist today; one I had heard was open to ideas. I explained about the wls, and the responses I had received from this site. He said "Interesting"...and conceded that the combination of "age 50", improvement in blood sugar, blood pressure, and general metabolic changes probably all contributed. My sight has IMPROVED over the last 4 prescriptions, the stigmatism is reduced, and he speculates I may have one more change before I am finished...
   — Johanna H.