Diabetes can have a significant impact on eye health. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye problem because it affects the blood vessels in the retina. It can result in vision loss. Diabetic macular edema is another issue faced by diabetics, as it is a result of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetics are also at a higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Because of these risks, performing LASIK surgery on a diabetic is a decision that isn’t made lightly.
Nonetheless, there are diabetics throughout New York that have had LASIK and seen great success. They were declared candidates because many considerations were taken and the patients were determined to be stable enough that there would be no ocular issues. When it is determined that ocular complications are unlikely, then a diabetic can be cleared for surgery.
Factors Considered before LASIK
The following are some of the factors that are considered before a diabetic is cleared for LASIK surgery:
- Hemoglobin A1c – This number is very important because it shows how stable a diabetic’s glucose levels have been over the past three months. Usually, a diabetic with an A1c level no higher than 6.5 percent experiences fewer complications after LASIK surgery.
- Ocular health – When a patient has diabetes that has been poorly controlled or it has been well controlled for many years, blood vessels in the back of the eyes can start to leak. This can result in vision loss due to swelling. Because of this, diabetic patients are at a high risk of developing cataracts earlier. It is important to determine that the blood vessels aren’t leaking and that no cataracts are present before deciding upon LASIK surgery. Even if cataracts are present, that doesn’t mean a person can’t have vision correction surgery. This is an area met with scrutiny.
- Refraction stability – A person must have a stable eyeglass prescription for at least 12 months so that the doctor can determine if there has been a change of 10 percent or less. If the change in vision is more than 10 percent, then a patient is not a candidate for LASIK surgery. If the patient is experiencing a change in vision at the time of surgery, it is likely the procedure won’t be successful or that the procedure will have to be enhanced later.
Determining Candidacy
These three factors play very important roles in a surgeon’s decision to recommend LASIK surgery. A dilated eye exam will be performed to establish that some of the risk factors don’t exist. The good news is that there are diabetic patients having their vision restored through LASIK every day. If you are tired of not being able to see the world around you the way it’s meant to be seen, then it is worth checking to see if you are a candidate. You don’t have to give in to the misconception that diabetes automatically eliminates you from being able to have LASIK.
If you are interested in LASIK surgery, your next step is to contact Stahl Eye Experts in New York! Call us today or go online to set up your free LASIK consultation!
