One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy can also affect your eligibility for LASIK surgery, a popular procedure that corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
If you have diabetes and are interested in LASIK, you need to get your blood sugar levels under control before you can undergo the surgery. High blood sugar can cause fluctuations in your vision, making it difficult to measure your prescription accurately. It can also slow down your healing process and increase your risk of infection and inflammation after the surgery.
Here are eight ways to get your diabetes under control before LASIK:
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly. You may have to check your levels up to four times per day. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing blood sugar.
- Take your medications as prescribed. This is the most important thing you can do to manage your diabetes. Make sure to take your medications on time and at the right dose.
- Eat a balanced diet. A healthy diet is essential for diabetes management. Follow a plan that is low in sugar, fat, and salt, and high in fiber, protein, and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Physical activity helps control blood sugar levels and improve overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. These substances can dehydrate you and affect your blood sugar levels.
- Get enough sleep and manage your stress levels. Lack of sleep and chronic stress can raise your blood sugar and impair your immune system.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and make it more difficult to control your diabetes. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
- Get regular eye exams. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing diabetic eye disease, so it is important to get regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can screen for diabetic eye disease and monitor your eye health over time.
You will need to have stable vision for at least a year before the surgery, no signs of active diabetic retinopathy or other eye diseases, and good control of your blood sugar levels. But by following these steps, you can improve your overall health and prepare yourself for LASIK surgery.
LASIK can offer many benefits for people with diabetes, such as reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses, improving your quality of life, and saving you money in the long run. To find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK, contact Lake Lazer Eye Center to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced surgeons.
Lake Lazer will evaluate your eyesight, medical history, and lifestyle to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs and goals.
Lake Lazer Eye Center offers up-front pricing, and convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the SMILE procedure. Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts. In the event that you’re not a candidate for vision correction, we’ll assist you with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
