Diabetes and LASIK

Millions of people have undergone LASIK surgery to improve their vision. But is LASIK a safe choice for people with diabetes? We recently asked Dr. Thomas Mulbery, an ophthalmologist based in Fort Worth, Texas, how to advise patients on diabetes. This was his response:

Medical research has identified a clear link between diabetes and complications associated with the eye or eye. Diabetics are at a higher risk of future eye complications. Additionally, some effects of diabetes, such as slower risks and increased risk of infection, perform eye-related procedures, including Lasik, a potentially dangerous relationship for diabetic patients.

The US FDA treats diabetes as a relative contraindication to LASIK for the following reasons:

• The instability and various needs of glasses for diabetics.
• weakening of immune function.
• Healing is delayed or bad, and
• Potential risks of surgery and postoperative complications, such as retinal vascular problems.

People with diabetes can opt for LASIK. They are simply encouraged to proceed after a thorough and in-depth analysis of potential risks and consequent benefits. While studies have provided a clear link between diabetes and eye-related issues, studies focusing on Lasik show that relative contraindications may be the result of a conservative and safe approach.

People with diabetes can opt for LASIK if their blood sugar levels are controlled without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Having the right measurements on the day of Lasik surgery is not enough. The final decision must be based on measurements from the A1C test.

Hemoglobin found in red blood cells reacts with excessive blood glucose and results in glycation. Because red blood cells live around three months, glycated hemoglobin testing indicates the degree of blood glucose control over two to three months.

People without diabetes should get A1C results of 4% to 5.6%. People with zircate haemoglobin counts above 6.5% are said to have diabetes. If a patient’s A1C outcome exceeds 7%, the risk associated with undergoing LASIK surgery outweighs the potential benefits. Reading below 7% reduces the risk of postoperative complications arising from diabetes.

If an individual has uncontrolled diabetes, the main effort should focus on controlling blood glucose levels. Again, simply controlling your daily blood sugar levels is not enough. The risks associated with undergoing procedures like Lasik only decrease if blood sugar levels are controlled for 2-3 months.

Apart from diabetes medication, switching to a healthier lifestyle can benefit from ensuring that diabetes is always under control. Smaller, more frequent diets, complex carbohydrate intakes, and follow regular, disciplined exercise regimens to ensure faster control over diabetes.

The A1C results should be below 7% in a sustainable way. The eyes need time to heal after LASIK surgery. A sudden increase in blood glucose levels after the procedure can increase the likelihood of complications. Therefore, diabetic patients should be ensured that they follow a healthy lifestyle before and after the procedure.

The myth is that diabetics are expected to suffer from complications after undergoing LASIK surgery. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to problems, but keeping blood glucose under control through sustained and disciplined efforts increases the likelihood of safe, complication-free surgery.

Have you ever had LASIK surgery for diabetes? Share your experience in the comments below.