Having diabetes can mean having to manage your condition in order to remain healthy. It affects many aspects of your life, including your vision. If you’re considering having refractive surgery, such as LASIK, you may be wondering if it’s possible to do so if you have diabetes. The simple answer is yes, it is possible to have laser eye surgery with diabetes. However, there are some additional considerations that must be taken into account.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis and is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision. It works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, using a laser. This helps to improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. It is a very common procedure, with over 800,000 procedures performed in the United States every year. It is also a very safe procedure, with a low complication rate.
How Does Diabetes Affect LASIK?
It is generally safe for someone with diabetes to have LASIK surgery, as long as their diabetes is controlled and stable. However, there are some additional considerations that must be taken into account. Diabetes can have an effect on the surface of the eye, making it more difficult for the laser to reshape the cornea. Diabetes can also affect the healing process, making it take longer and potentially increasing the risk of complications.
Diabetes can Affect Corneal Healing
It is important to remember that LASIK surgery is a very precise procedure, and the healing process is critical for the success of the surgery. Diabetes can affect the healing process, which can lead to slower healing times and an increased risk of complications. Your eye doctor will need to closely monitor your progress during the healing process to ensure that everything is proceeding as it should.
Diabetes can Affect Corneal Thickness
Corneal thickness is an important factor when considering LASIK surgery. Diabetes can affect the thickness of the cornea, making it more difficult for the laser to reshape it properly. This can lead to a less than optimal result and can even increase the risk of complications. Your eye doctor will need to measure the thickness of your cornea and take it into account when considering whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Risks of LASIK Surgery with Diabetes
There are some risks associated with LASIK surgery if you have diabetes. These include longer healing times, increased risk of complications, and less than optimal results. It is important to discuss all of these risks with your eye doctor before making a decision about having the surgery. Your eye doctor can help you make an informed decision about whether or not LASIK surgery is the best option for you.
Conclusion
LASIK surgery can be a safe and effective option for those with diabetes, as long as their condition is controlled and the additional considerations are taken into account. It is important to discuss the risks with your eye doctor before making a decision. With careful consideration, LASIK surgery can be a great option for those with diabetes who are looking to improve their vision.