Preserve Your Vision With EyeTX - San Pedro

Diabetic Retinopathy in North Central

Preserve Your Vision With EyeTX - San Pedro

(210) 490-9205

Have diabetes?

Experiencing changes in vision, such as blurriness and eye floaters?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss around the world. Of an estimated 285 million people with diabetes mellitus worldwide, approximately one-third have signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Fortunately, there are several steps people with diabetes can take to prevent or minimize vision loss.

Blood sugar level check


What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

noraml eye and an eye with diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the small blood vessels clustered within your retina. This leads to swelling or fluid leakage and can result in vision loss and even blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy also raises the risk of retinal detachment and/or glaucoma.

Because the early stages of diabetic retinopathy show no symptoms, many don't realize they have it until the disease has progressed.

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. To reduce your risk and protect your vision, schedule an eye exam with EyeTX - San Pedro today.


What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

diabetic-retinopothy-oct-scan

As mentioned above, the early phase of diabetic retinopathy typically shows no symptoms. This is why it's important to have routine eye exams (all the more so if you have diabetes), as your eye doctor can detect diabetic retinopathy in its earlier stages before symptoms become apparent.

Symptoms of proliferative diabetic retinopathy include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters
  • Double vision
  • Near vision problems
  • Seeing dark spots (scotomas)
  • Difficulty seeing at night

What are the Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Non-Proliferative Retinopathy (early stage):
This occurs when small bulges–or microaneurysms–form in blood vessels and can leak fluid into the retina.

Proliferative Retinopathy (later phase):
This refers to abnormal vessel growth and leakage in the retina. This triggers a variety of vision problems such as blurriness, reduced field of vision, and even blindness.

If you have diabetes, EyeTX - San Pedro in North Central offers diagnostic tests and treatment options to help preserve your vision. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment outcome.

Diabetic-Retinopathy-Bllod-sugar-level-checker


How Optometrists Diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Medical history

    Your optometrist will ask about your medical history, including diabetes, as well as your family history of eye conditions.

  • Dilated pupil exam

    Your optometrist will apply eye drops to dilate the pupils so they can see inside the eye and detect any issues.

  • Fluorescein angiography

    This eye test uses a special dye and camera to look at blood flow in the retina and choroid.

  • Optical coherence tomography

    This imaging method shows a cross-section of the retina and can indicate whether vessels are leaking fluid into the retina.


How to Treat Diabetic Retinopathy

senior man with diabetic retinopathy

Treatment begins with managing blood sugar levels and diabetes. This means eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and taking whatever diabetes medication has been prescribed.

Other treatments will depend on the stage or severity of the disease. If caught early, only blood sugar management may be necessary.

However, if you're in a more advanced stage of the diseases, treatment options may include:
  • Eye medications. Steroid and Anti-VEGF treatments can stop inflammation and prevent the formation of new blood vessels.
  • Laser surgery. Reduces the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels and swelling in the retina.
  • Vitrectomy. If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy, you may need an eye surgery called vitrectomy. This procedure removes scar tissue, blood or fluid, and some of the vitreous gel so light rays can better focus on the retina.

Diabetic Retinopathy FAQs

What are the major risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

As the name suggests, diabetes is the main risk factor for developing diabetic retinopathy. Be mindful of your family history of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, get an annual eye exam to detect potential problems early.

Other conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are also risk factors. Moreover, those of African or Hispanic descent have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?

There are a number of ways to preserve your vision and reduce the risk of vision and eye damage due to diabetic retinopathy.

  • Visit your eye doctor for annual eye exams.
  • Control your blood sugar levels.
  • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Quit smoking.

The best thing you can do right now is to schedule your eye exam with EyeTX - San Pedro in North Central to ensure that everything is in check.

Does diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the main causes of blindness among work-aged adults. It affects one in three people with diabetes and often goes unnoticed at first. Diagnosing and treating the condition early on can prevent severe vision loss.

Patient Reviews
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422 Reviews
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- Oct. 04, 2024
Great service! 1st time glasses wearer and everything was explained so well.
- Sep. 28, 2024
I don’t usually write reviews, especially about my healthcare providers however, I just had to ra... ve about eye tx on San Pedro. I’ve been a patient for at least 6 years now and I have an amazing experience every single time I visit. I usually visit with Dr. Elder and he is WONDERFUL, as well as the other doctors I’ve visited with. Everyone here is so caring and great at what they do. I feel so comfortable every exam. Front desk crew is also amazing, but I have to give a shout-out to Henry. He is always so helpful and informative and always makes sure I’m taken care of. My most recent exam I expressed that I had issues with my usual pair of contacts and Dr. Elder prescribed me a different brand that have been working beautifully for me. I cannot recommend them enough for all of your eye care needs!! My eyes appreciate y’all to the moon and back!
- Sep. 03, 2024
Relatively new to this office and first time contact user, without exception, every visit been excep... tional. Harmonious enviroment, professonal, helpful and efficient, all the time ,everytime.
- Aug. 27, 2024
Friendly staff and nice facility.
- Aug. 27, 2024
Very helpful staff and doctor listened to my concerns and issues.
- Aug. 20, 2024
The team from front desk to vision specialists to physicians make you feel that you are of value. T... he staff takes their time and hears your needs. The BEST staff and location in SA!
- Aug. 20, 2024
EyeTX on San Pedro is thorough and efficient. Thank you
- Aug. 14, 2024
I loved every moment from start to finish. We were greeted into a welcoming environment, every one w... as so nice and sweet and very helpful. They had a very good selection on the glasses and lens Henry and Dr Elder and the 2 ladies that were in the office were such a joy! Very fast and patient service 10 out of 10 would highly recommend.
- Jul. 26, 2024
Best location & great doc E. Elder. Quick service 🤩🤩🤩🤩
- Jul. 19, 2024
I appreciate the prompt and excellent customer service by all the employees especially Mr. Henry, th... e office manager.
- Jul. 09, 2024
Henry made the process easy and professional. I bought 2 new pair of glasses and now I can see ever... ything clearly. Thank you Henry for your all your help to our entire family!
- Jul. 08, 2024
Very friendly atmosphere. The staff are all kind & so very helpful
- Jul. 05, 2024
Dr. Green is amazing! He was very knowledgeable, polite, and respectful when it came to my appointme... nt. He helped me get just the right prescription for my glasses. Highly recommend Dr. Green. All the staff at the San Pedro location is very kind and knowledgeable and want you to have the best experience.
- Jun. 11, 2024
Such wonderful customer service and care. You feel seen and appreciated
- May. 05, 2024
1st time customer , great experience and great staff taking care of you.
- May. 04, 2024
Service is great and the staff is very friendly. Highly recommended
- Apr. 17, 2024
Dr. Elder - Very Professional & Caring Excellent!😉🤓 Staff Very Friendly & Professional Henry &... Oscar!!😉🤓
- Apr. 11, 2024
(Translated by Google) Excellent attention and treatment, Claudia helped me, very pleasant, speaks S... panish, I recommend it (Original) Excelente atencion y trato ,me atendió Claudia muy agradable habla español lo recomiendo
- Apr. 05, 2024
My wife and child were treated amazing and they look forward to going to this location. Thank you fo... r giving them a great experience
- Apr. 02, 2024
I am extremely pleased with Dr. Elder & professionalism of all staff. Eyeglasses are of the highest... quality.

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Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in North Central

Our optometry practice in North Central

Photograph of Richard Bell
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare

blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(210) 490-9205