Preserve Your Vision With EyeTX - San Pedro

Diabetic Retinopathy in North Central

Preserve Your Vision With EyeTX - San Pedro

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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


Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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.


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
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare

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.
Patient Reviews
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335 Reviews
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- Nov. 18, 2023
Enjoyed coming back to this location. Dr. Green is patient focused and Henry is welcoming to the cus... tomer as always!!
- Nov. 09, 2023
Dr. Elder and staff are both always friendly and helpful! Will always recommend them!
- Nov. 04, 2023
I am so happy to have Dr. Bell as my Doctor again, and it was great to see Henry! I was glad to see ... that you still welcome everyone with your smile. You receive great customer service even when calling the office. I spoke with Joshua, he was patient and helpful. Edward assisted me when I walked in the office, and he was welcoming and kind. There are other EyeTX locations, but this one stands on a pedestal for me. Call, or walk in and prove me right. Thank you! You are a great team, and together you make a great staff! Don't forget that you control your surroundings, and every day you can make it a great day for others, and your reward is a great day in return. Wishing you much success and prosperity. GOD bless!
- Nov. 03, 2023
From the moment that you walk in the door, to the incredible care you receive from providers who tak... e the time to listen and share with you in great detail about your eye health, to the selection of frames and lenses, follow up, and service after the purchase. Just an exceptional experience! We adore Dr. Bell and Henry is a “franchise” kind of employee, he is that good!
- Nov. 03, 2023
I have been a patient at EyeTX since 2014…..December of 2014, to be exact. I had just moved to San... Antonio from the East Coast at that time and was in need of an eye doctor. My dear sister recommended I go to EyeTX on San Pedro. She was already an established patient there and her doctor was Dr. Edward Elder. Now my doctor there is Dr. Elder! He is extremely good with patients and is extremely knowledgeable about eyes and eye care. The staff is wonderful and quite friendly and helpful and puts every patient at ease. No wonder I ONLY go to EyeTX!
- Oct. 23, 2023
Best place in town if you're looking for a long-term relationship with your doctor and staff, very p... rofessional and knowledgeable. Great products and services after the sale.
- Oct. 20, 2023
Highly recommend EyeTx at San Pedro for your family. We have used them for many years and wouldn't ... go anywhere else. They are so helpful, professional and attentive.
- Oct. 14, 2023
Excellent service by a professional and courteous team.
- Sep. 09, 2023
This is my second time going here and I must say both times the staff were very nice. The doctor imm... ediately made me feel comfortable with his sense of humor, answered all my questions, and eased my concerns. The front desk staff were so welcoming and patient with me. Overall, great service!
- Sep. 06, 2023
I just got out of my exam here. I have to leave a review while I’m parked. This is my eye place of... choice. That’s it. There are closer ones, eyetx, to me but literally every time I come HERE… the service is flawless, quick and efficient. I have zero complaints or criticism, they are thee best. That’s it. From making the appointment over the phone, setting up the day, to the walk in and exams and exit. The delivery of contacts is always fast. Amazing service. I highly recommend. They are so friendly and excellent every damn time. Thankyou!!! Will be coming back as usual every year!!! Thankyou to the last at the desk, Oscar and the doctor!!
- Sep. 04, 2023
I love the team at EyeTX San Pedro. Dr. Bell provided a prompt and thorough examination that address... ed the needs of my eyes as they are impacted by Sjögren’s Syndrome in addition to astigmatism and the natural aging process. I was not looking forward to getting progressives, but, thanks to Henry, I had so much fun finding the perfect frames. When my glasses were ready, Henry helped guide me through how to best utilize my new lenses. I love my new glasses so much!!! My new contacts are also going to help so much to keep my eyes comfortable in addition to seeing better. This team is so helpful, kind, and genuinely committed to doing their very best for every patient. I am grateful to have their help in maintaining my eye health.
- Aug. 30, 2023
Excellent service and professional competence.
- Aug. 21, 2023
Had a great experience today. Staff was very helpful, quick and efficient and discussed my options w... ith me on glasses. Will definitely make this my go to place for future visits.
- Aug. 15, 2023
Dr Elder is very knowledgeable and thorough. I would recommend anyone looking for a good optometrist... to go see Dr Elder on San Pedro.
- Aug. 11, 2023
Dr. Elder has been our eye doctor for many years. We have followed him wherever he's gone. He is a ... very knowledgeable Dr. in the field. He is a very caring doctor and makes sure we are well. He always makes us feel welcomed and cared for. Thank you Dr. Elder. We appreciate you and we are grateful for your life!
- Jul. 31, 2023
Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Dr. Elder is the BEST!
- Jul. 28, 2023
Best experience I’ve had at the eye dr. Staff and Dr were very kind and helpful.
- Jul. 25, 2023
Very polite and professional. I felt like they really wanted to provide me the best service that the... y could.
- Jul. 17, 2023
friendly and professional 🙂
- Jul. 03, 2023
If you need eye care and are in Northern San Antonio, this is a great place. Friendly, accommodating... and personable. Felt at ease and couldn’t ask for a better experience.

View All 335 Reviews

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.


blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

Schedule Eye Exam