Laser Eye Surgery

Lasik surgery & what are the risks if you're diabetic?

My mother-in-law wants to see about having lasik surgery, but she has been told that they don't do it on diabetics.....are the risks that major?

Public Comments

1. infections
2. I too am a diabetic. Every Eye Surgeon I have talked to, will not perform Lasik on a diabetic. Too many risks, and problems already associated with the eyes for a diabetic. Retinopathy is the main reason, diabetes is the number one cause of blindness.
3. my nephew had it... i was surprised that they did this on him. he is type1 for 10 years he sees great and had no problems
4. Firstly I would like to establish whether is your mother in law referring to Lasik - cataract surgery.Cataracts of the senile type occur more frequently in diabetics. Cataract surgery -phacoemulsification is a form of surgery used to remove cataract through a small sutureless incision.It is commonly understood as laser surgery. It is the application of ultrasound energy whereby a titanium probe vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies is used to disrupt the lens nucleus which is expelled through the same probe and an artificial lens is inserted into the bag.The lens used is so versatile that it can be folded and inserted through the small incision before expanding to its full size inside the very delicate intact bag. If she is referring to Lasik surgery,her eyes must be in good control before surgery - not indicated with poorly controlled diabetes.Anyone with diabetes will face the usual complications such as infection,bleeding,rupturing of capsule and so on.Diabetes depending on severity will face an increase risk of oxygen diffusion to the retina,resulting in new vessels formation.Examination and perhaps laser application before surgery is needed in all cases. Dr.Yeoh Phee Liang Consultant Ophthalmology Surgeon