If you’re living with diabetes and considering LASIK to improve your vision, you might wonder if the procedure is right for you. The answer often depends on one critical factor: your blood sugar stability. Diabetes can impact your eyes in several ways, so making sure your blood sugar levels are well-controlled is essential for a safe and successful LASIK experience.
Let’s take a closer look at how blood sugar affects LASIK eligibility and why stability is so important for diabetic patients.
How Does Blood Sugar Affect Vision?
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can have a direct impact on your vision. When your blood sugar is too high or too low, it can cause temporary changes in the shape of your eye’s lens. This often results in blurry or inconsistent vision. If your blood sugar is constantly fluctuating, it’s tough to determine your true vision prescription—a key step in preparing for LASIK.
Uncontrolled blood sugar can also slow down your body’s natural healing process. For LASIK patients, proper healing is critical to achieving clear vision after the procedure. Additionally, unstable blood sugar increases the risk of complications, such as infections or delayed recovery.
Why Stable Blood Sugar Is Key?
When your blood sugar is stable, your vision prescription is more likely to stay consistent, and your eyes are in a better condition to heal properly after surgery. Stability also reduces the risk of complications, giving you the best chance at a smooth recovery and great results.
At Inland Eye LASIK, we typically recommend that patients with diabetes demonstrate well-controlled blood sugar levels for several months before moving forward with LASIK. This shows that your condition is stable enough to handle the procedure and that your eyes are in the best possible shape for healing.
What Does “Well-Controlled” Mean?
“Controlled” blood sugar looks different for everyone, but it generally means keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range recommended by your doctor. It’s also about consistency—avoiding big swings in your blood sugar levels over time.
Your doctor may ask you to provide recent A1C test results, which give an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. A healthy A1C level can be a good indicator that your diabetes is under control and that you’re ready to explore LASIK as an option.
Preparing for LASIK as a Diabetic Patient
If you’re diabetic and interested in LASIK, here are some steps to get started:
- Work with Your Doctor: Before considering LASIK, talk to your primary care physician or endocrinologist to ensure your diabetes is well-managed.
- Schedule an Eye Exam: Visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. This helps us check the overall health of your eyes and screen for conditions like diabetic retinopathy that could affect your LASIK candidacy.
- Be Patient: If your blood sugar isn’t stable yet, don’t worry. Focus on managing your diabetes, and revisit LASIK when your condition is more controlled.
At Inland Eye LASIK, we take a personalized approach to every patient’s care. We understand the unique challenges that come with diabetes, and our experienced team will guide you every step of the way. Your safety and vision are our top priorities, and we’ll work with you to determine the best path forward.
Considering LASIK? Inland Eye LASIK is ready to guide you every step of the way. Begin with a free consultation to find out if LASIK is the right choice for you. Our team will address your questions and evaluate your individual eye health. Call us today at (909) 843-9857 or click here to schedule your LASIK consultation.
