LASIK is a very useful treatment for correcting vision problems. But before you opt for it, you need to consider several important things like your age, existing eye health, vision, finances, and ongoing health problems such as diabetes. One of the frequently asked questions that patients raise regarding LASIK is, “Can diabetics get LASIK”. For many years, doctors had not been recommending it for patients with diabetes. But now things have changed. Want to explore how? Continue reading this blog…
Can Diabetics Have LASIK Eye Surgery?
In 2018, the FDA advised that LASIK was not a good option for diabetic patients as they could have hormonal fluctuations and slow healing. But later, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) pointed out that the FDA’s recommendation was based on very few patients. Their claim was based on theoretical risks, not actual ones.
Furthermore, they clarified that LASIK is safe for diabetics under the right conditions. You just need to proceed carefully to avoid any complexities.
What Is The Criteria For Diabetics To Get LASIK?
There are several important considerations that diabetics need to address before undergoing LASIK. Below is a detailed overview of them:
∙ Stable Blood Sugar Levels
If your blood sugar fluctuates during LASIK, it can affect the health of the cornea and result in surgery. Therefore, eye surgeons recommend stabilizing your sugar levels a few months before surgery. Also, you must show evidence of your sugar levels to proceed.
∙ Eyes Condition
If you have any eye problem like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or any severe eye infection, it can badly affect your eligibility for LASIK surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo an eye examination to find out such pre-existing issues.
∙ Duration Of Diabetes
This is a major factor in deciding whether you can have an advanced LASIK procedure with diabetes or not. If you are diabetic for a long period of time, you might not be considered ideal for having LASIK. The reason is it can pose a risk of eye-related issues. So, before LASIK, you should discuss the duration of diabetes with your eye surgeon so that they can evaluate the risks based on your medical history.
∙ Health Of Cornea
As LASIK reshapes the cornea, it should be in good condition before surgery. The issue, such as corneal thinning or irregularity, can affect the outcome of surgery. To make it clear, doctors measure the thickness and shape of your cornea with advanced tools to see if it can withstand LASIK.
What Are The Risks Of LASIK For Diabetics?
Even if you meet all the criteria for getting LASIK diabetes, there are still some risks associated with it. These include:
· Delayed Healing
As diabetes affects your body’s ability to heal wounds efficiently, it can delay the healing process after LASIK. The corneal flap doctors create during surgery needs to heal properly after surgery. However, in diabetics, this process is less effective, and it can increase the risk of infections and inflammation.
· Higher Risk of Dry Eyes
Though dry eyes are a common side effect of LASIK, people with diabetes are at a higher risk. Diabetes already causes dry eyes and irritation, but when you go through LASIK, these symptoms can worsen with time and cause potential complications.
· Diabetic Eye Complications
If you suffer from any diabetic eye complication like diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema, they can impact the success of LASIK surgery. Therefore, addressing such issues before undergoing LASIK surgery is always advisable.
· Inaccurate Results
People with diabetes are at higher risk of getting inaccurate results and might need glasses or lenses after surgery as well. The reason is fluctuating vision causes improper adjustments during surgery.
What Is Post-Surgery Care For Diabetes Patients Having LASIK?
To minimize the risks and get optimal recovery after LASIK with diabetes, you have to follow some post-surgery care instructions given below:
· Use Prescribed Medications
Doctors may prescribe you anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. You need to use them regularly for best results. Also, you have to continue all your diabetes medications and insulin to keep your blood sugar level stabilized.
· Eye Shields
It is better to wear eye shields or goggles for a few days to protect your eyes from any injury or sudden rubbing.
· Rest Your Eyes
During the initial recovery period, you should minimize eye strain by avoiding activities like screening or reading. Moreover, try to rest as much as possible to speed up your recovery.
· Regular Eye Exams
You should follow all scheduled appointments with your doctor to track your progress and resolve any issues that arise. This is how you can support a healthy recovery.
Conclusion
Now that you know whether diabetics get LASIK, you must approach proper preparation and careful consideration to get the best results. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with professional eye doctors at trusted and reputable eye care centers, such as Eye LASIK Austin, to discuss your situation and determine the most appropriate treatment. After all, you can enjoy a better quality of life with clearer sight.
FAQS
Your blood sugar should be controlled for a few months before having LASIK. Depending on your specific situation, your doctor will determine the appropriate range of sugar levels for best results.
Yes, you need to undergo certain tests before LASIK. These include a thorough eye exam, corneal mapping, and retinal imaging to ensure that your eyes are in optimal condition for surgery.
Diabetes doesn’t affect the cost of LASIK. But you need to take follow-up care. So, before LASIK, it is always better to ask your doctor about the detailed cost of surgery so that you can set your budget accordingly.
