Can people with diabetes have laser eye surgery?

Is laser eye surgery also possible for people with diabetes? If you have diabetes and would like to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, you have probably considered laser eye surgery to correct your vision.

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. It can also significantly impact eye health.

In this post, we explain why diabetes is not an automatic disqualification for vision correction. Read on to learn why careful consideration and preparation are still necessary if you’re considering laser eye surgery and have diabetes.

How does diabetes affect eye health?

Diabetes can lead to various eye conditions that are relevant when considering laser eye surgery. Diabetic retinopathy is common and affects the blood vessels in the retina. It is important to manage diabetes effectively and maintain stable blood sugar levels to minimize the risk of complications from laser eye surgery in people with diabetes.

Fluctuating or persistently high blood sugar levels can cause changes in vision and affect the outcome of laser eye surgery in people with diabetes.

What people with diabetes should consider before laser eye surgery

Before considering laser eye surgery if you have diabetes, it is crucial that your condition is well controlled and stable. A comprehensive ophthalmological examination is necessary to assess your eye health and determine whether diabetes-related complications could affect the outcome of the procedure. Your surgeon will examine:

• The stability of your vision
• Your retinal health
• Signs of cataracts or other eye diseases

Precautions before and after laser eye surgery for patients with diabetes

For people with diabetes, laser eye surgery requires some additional precautions:

• The preoperative assessment should be more thorough to ensure that the retina is healthy.
• Follow-up care is essential, as healing may be slower in people with diabetes; close monitoring for signs of infection or abnormal healing is required.

What people with diabetes should be aware of after laser eye surgery

Even after laser eye surgery, it is important to keep diabetes under control. Any sudden changes in blood sugar levels can affect the healing process and the stability of your vision correction.

Is laser eye treatment for diabetes the right choice for you?

If you have diabetes and are considering laser eye surgery, the key to a successful outcome is close collaboration with your endocrinologist and ophthalmologist. They will guide you through the process, from preoperative preparation to postoperative care, ensuring that your specific needs are taken into account.

Take the next step

Are you wondering whether you’re a suitable candidate for laser eye treatment?

Start with our laser eye suitability test. You will receive an initial assessment of whether laser eye treatment may be suitable for you. Answer a few simple questions (about 2 minutes) about your vision and any corrective eyewear you’ve used.