Laser refractive surgery in diabetic patients: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current recommendations regarding laser refractive surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus and to assess whether these patients make appropriate candidates for laser vision correction. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify current research on the ocular complications of diabetes and original publications on laser refractive surgery in diabetic patients. RESULTS: Diabetes was associated with several ocular complications. Initially the US Food and Drug Administration listed these complications as justification to advise against refractive surgery in patients with diabetes. However, recent studies on laser in situ keratomileusis in diabetic patients indicate that this procedure may be safe in diabetic patients with very well controlled systemic disease and no ocular manifestations. CONCLUSION: Laser refractive surgery may be performed safely in a very selected group of patients with diabetes.