7 Tips for Managing Diabetes So You Can Still Get LASIK

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on October 16, 2023

If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar to reduce your risk of developing diabetic eye disease. This is also important if you are considering LASIK surgery. Let’s look at 7 ways to manage your diabetes so you may be an ideal candidate for laser vision correction.

First, there are two main types of diabetic eye disease: diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Diabetic macular edema is a buildup of fluid in the macula, the central part of the retina. Both conditions can lead to vision loss, but diabetic retinopathy can be more serious.

The good news is that diabetic eye diseases are preventable and treatable. Here are some tips for managing diabetes so you can still get LASIK:

1. Get regular eye exams.

Your eye doctor can check for signs of diabetic eye disease, even if you do not have any symptoms. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that people with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

2. Control your blood sugar levels.

This is the most important thing you can do to prevent diabetic eye disease. Work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that keeps your blood sugar levels in the target range. The AAO recommends that people with diabetes aim for a blood sugar level of less than 140 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after meals.

3. Take your medications as prescribed.

If you are taking medication for diabetes, always take it as prescribed. Do not skip doses or change your dosage without talking to your doctor.

4. Eat a healthy diet.

A healthy diet can help you control your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Choose foods that are low in sugar and fat and high in fiber. The AAO recommends that people with diabetes follow a healthy eating plan that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

5. Exercise regularly.

Exercise helps to keep your blood sugar levels under control and can also help improve your overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days. The AAO recommends that people with diabetes get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.

6. Quit smoking.

Smoking can damage your blood vessels, and the blood vessels in your eyes are no exception. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your eye health. 

Talk to Missouri Eye Institute about diabetes and LASIK.

If you have diabetes and are considering LASIK surgery, talk to your eye doctor about your individual circumstances. Your LASIK surgeon can help you determine if vision correction is right for you and develop a plan to manage your diabetes before and after surgery. They will also instruct you on any extra precautions you may need to recover more quickly and reduce complication risks.

With careful planning and management, people with diabetes can still get LASIK surgery and enjoy the benefits of improved vision.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough eye exam or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.