Is diabetes associated with an increased risk of recurrent corneal erosions,

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP.

Posted: 15 August 2026Updated: 15 August 2026 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed

Diabetes mellitus and recurrent corneal erosion: The supplied NICE/UK-source excerpts do not establish that diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of recurrent corneal erosions. ,

They note that dry eye disease may be complicated by punctate epithelial erosions of the cornea, and that diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, but neither excerpt identifies diabetes as a risk factor for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. ,

Femtosecond LASIK: The supplied excerpts do not state that femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is contraindicated solely because a patient has diabetes mellitus. ,

NICE CKS states that LASIK may be considered when pre-existing dry-eye symptoms have been improved pre-operatively, while also noting that dry eye disease can be associated with poor refractive-surgery outcomes.

Therefore, on this evidence, diabetes alone cannot be described as an absolute contraindication; suitability requires individual ophthalmic assessment, including ocular-surface status and diabetic eye disease. ,

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Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.

Is Diabetes Associated With an Increased Risk of Recurrent Corneal Ero