Can Diabetes Affect Your Eligibility for Laser Eye Surgery?
Although diabetes can affect your eligibility for laser eye surgery, those with diabetes are not automatically disqualified. Diabetes is a multisystem disorder that affects several organs in the body. As diabetes destroys organs, it can result in a person developing retinopathy, neuropathy, or nephropathy. Because diabetes can cause keratopathy, or corneal damage, and affect healing, laser eye surgery may not be allowed.
Because diabetes can cause a variety of health complications, many are unable to have laser eye surgery. However, some patients need laser eye surgery for diabetes treatment. For instance, diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss or blindness in people who have diabetes.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the retina. Individuals with advanced diabetic retinopathy may require treatment in the form of a laser. This laser treatment, called scatter laser surgery, may become part of your treatment plan, as designed by your doctor. If you need this laser treatment, the laser will shrink blood vessels that cause vision problems.
Unfortunately, those with diabetes may not be eligible for certain surgeries. Diabetes can influence corneal physiology and wound healing. Additionally, those with diabetes can make refractive surgery outcomes less predictable and can lead to numerous complications such as defects or dry eye disease.
Eligible Patients for Laser Eye Surgery
According to the National Library of Medicine, key factors help professionals decide whether patients are eligible for laser eye surgery. For a diabetic patient to be eligible for laser eye surgery, they must meet the following criteria:
Patients must not suffer from retinopathy or a history of nerve damage to the eye.
Patients must strictly control blood sugar. Blood sugar and glucose levels should be well managed.
Patients must not have any diabetic complications.
Because diabetes can affect the eyes in several ways, understanding the condition helps patients recognize symptoms and identify specific eye-related concerns.
Why Diabetes Can Be a Deal Breaker
There are many reasons why those with diabetes are not eligible for laser eye surgery. Corneal lesions can present with several complications. If a person has any of these complications, they may not be eligible for laser surgery. Complications of corneal lesions include:
Dysfunctional tear syndrome – A common and complex condition affecting the ocular surface.
Recurrent corneal erosions – These occur when the outer layer of the cornea separates from the underlying layers.
Corneal ulcers – Sores on the front of your eye.
Persistent epithelial defects – Defects occur when the corneal surface fails to heal despite treatment. The defects can cause chronic discomfort and reduced vision.
Decreased corneal sensitivity – This reduced corneal sensitivity can be a sign of nerve damage.
Neurotrophic keratopathy – A degenerative corneal disease caused by impaired sensory innervation, or the supply of sensory nerves to other parts of the body.
Endothelial dysfunction – This type of coronary artery disease narrows arteries and can lead to high blood pressure, chest pain, or heart attack.
If you struggle with diabetes and experience worsening eyesight, speak with a doctor and determine your options.
Find Treatment Today
At Aloha Eye, our mission is to provide world-class comprehensive eye care. Our team of experts has the compassion and skills necessary to help patients. We offer a cataract center, a surgery center, and an optical center. Driven to succeed and identify potential eye-related issues, Aloha Eye offers patients dependable, easy healthcare services.
If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, consider speaking with an expert at our eye care clinic. We can help you understand which conditions are eligible for LASIK and which are not, such as diabetes. Contact us today to learn more.