Lasik and Diabetes

High Blood Sugar

A high blood sugar level is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. But did you know that elevated blood sugar can also increase the recovery time after LASIK? The elevated blood sugar level makes it difficult for wounds to heal, extending the recovery time. If the corneal healing is slow, it can cause infections, discomfort, and corneal thinning or damage. This is why surgeons do not prefer to perform LASIK surgery for people with diabetes. However, as long as you have managed your blood sugar level at least two to three months before the surgery, LASIK remains within the realms of possibility. 

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition of the eye that develops when chronic high blood sugar level damages the small blood vessels in the eye. As a result, new blood vessels grow inside your retina. These thin, fragile blood vessels often bleed, leading to scar tissue formation and, in extreme cases, causing blindness. 

Unfortunately, LASIK cannot reverse the vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy develops from the damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the back layer of the eye, while LASIK surgery only corrects the front part of the cornea. Before going ahead with the surgery, your doctor will perform some diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your vision problems. If it is not caused by diabetic retinopathy, you remain an ideal candidate for LASIK. 

Fluctuating Vision

During LASIK surgery, the doctor changes the shape of your cornea to improve your vision, but it can become difficult for people with fluctuating blood sugar levels. The varying blood sugar levels can lead to fluctuations in your vision prescription, making it difficult for your doctor to determine how to reshape the cornea best. The doctor will recommend waiting until your blood sugar level is stable for at least six months to a year before the surgery. 

What is Recovery Like?

The recovery of LASIK is longer for diabetic patients than for non-diabetic patients. Moreover, the risk of infections is greater, so it is important to monitor the patient during the recovery closely. Doctors usually prescribe steroid eye drops during the recovery process, but this can be problematic for diabetic patients. Why? Because absorption of steroids in the bloodstream can increase blood glucose. This is why doctors advise blocking the tear ducts while using these eye drops. You can use a simple technique called nasolacrimal occlusion or NLO to prevent eye drops from going into your bloodstream. This procedure helps you keep more medicine in the eye, making the eye drops more effective. Following is how you can apply the NLO technique:-

Step 1: Tilt your head back and use your middle finger to gently press the corner of your eye by the side of your nose. 

Step 2: Use your index finger to pull down the lower lid and apply the eye drop.

Step 3: Let go of your lower lid after applying the eye drop. Close your eyes and keep your middle finger in place for at least 2 minutes. Lastly, use facial tissue to wipe off the extra drops on the eyelid. 

Seek Medical Advice

Diabetes is no longer a contradiction for LASIK. People with diabetes are undergoing LASIK all over the world. You can get safe and effective LASIK surgery from a well-trained, experienced surgeon. However, you must be very particular about your diabetic medication, exercise, and diet to ensure a stable blood sugar level. Once your blood sugar level is adequately controlled, your eye care professional can advise you on the next steps and provide a detailed analysis of the potential complications of LASIK for diabetic people. 

If you are considering LASIK but are not sure whether you are an ideal candidate or not, you can consult an eye specialist to get additional information about the surgery. With a team of 1500+ expert doctors, HexaHealth can be your ideal choice to determine candidacy for LASIK and discuss your options. So what are you waiting for? Contact a HexaHealth expert TODAY!