LASIK Considerations for Diabetics

For many people suffering from vision disorders such as hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism, LASIK is an effective way to achieve clear vision. If you have diabetes, however, it’s wise to learn about the potential risks before committing to the procedure.

Diabetes causes changes in your blood-glucose levels, which can lead to short-term changes in your vision, including temporary blurriness. Unlike glasses or contacts—the prescriptions for which evolve with your vision condition—LASIK is intended as a permanent treatment, and blood-glucose fluctuations have long been thought to contribute to vision problems in conjunction with LASIK.

A 2002 study published in the journal Cornea reported that diabetics had a 47-percent complication rate following LASIK surgery compared to a 10-percent complication rate in nondiabetics. However, a more recent study conducted by researchers at the Gimbel Eye Center in Calgary, Canada, did not find significant complications among diabetics who underwent LASIK.

The Gimbel Eye Center study focused on 24 diabetic patients with well-controlled blood-glucose levels. Researchers found that only 28 percent of LASIK-treated eyes in diabetic patients needed enhancement; however, it’s important to note that patients in this study were an average of 10 years younger than patients in the 2002 research.

Regardless of the success of your LASIK treatment, LASIK cannot prevent age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration. It’s also worth pointing out that diabetics have a higher tendency toward corneal abnormalities, which can cause the corneas to heal more slowly.

Although diabetes does not preclude you from undergoing LASIK, you must have controlled blood sugar and meet other candidacy requirements. If you have diabetes and are considering LASIK, make sure you inform your ophthalmologist.

To learn more about LASIK or find an ophthalmologist in your area, please contact The LASIK Directory.