Diabetes in San Antonio, TX
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Contact UsWhat Is Diabetes?
Diabetes affects a number of Americans. This condition interferes with your body's natural ability to regulate sugar levels, causing an increased risk of heart disease, kidney issues, nerve damage, and other health problems, including vision. Diabetes can escalate vision threats, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy, which is damage to the blood vessels in the retina. When left untreated, diabetic eye diseases can lead to vision loss. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can preserve the health of your eyes by regularly seeing an eye specialist that understands how to identify, prevent, and manage diabetic eye diseases. Our expert team, led by Dr. Victoria Perez, at Texas State Optical Bandera is ready to help you with diabetic eye care treatments in San Antonio, TX. Schedule an eye exam to learn more about your options.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Diseases?
Diabetic eye diseases can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but as they progress, they often present with distinct warning signs. These symptoms can affect various parts of the eye, such as the retina and the macula, and lead to complications that may impair vision. Recognizing these symptoms early on can help in seeking timely medical intervention to prevent further vision loss. Common symptoms associated with diabetic eye diseases include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in your field of vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss
- Distorted vision, such as straight lines appearing wavy
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Reduced color vision or difficulty distinguishing colors
What Are Causes of Diabetic Eye Conditions?
Diabetic eye conditions are caused by high blood sugar levels, which damage the blood vessels in the eyes over time. Prolonged periods of uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and even vision loss. These conditions occur when the tiny blood vessels in the retina leak fluid or blood, resulting in swelling and impaired vision. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a long history of diabetes, which can worsen the effects on eye health.
How Are Diabetic Eye Conditions Treated?
If you’re diabetic and experiencing symptoms, such as color blindness, floaters, dark areas in your field of vision, or reduced vision, setting up a thorough eye exam for early diagnosis and treatment may be beneficial. An eye exam may include dilating your pupils with special eye drops to take pictures of and examine the retina and other surrounding eye structures. Dr. Perez may also perform a regular tonometry test to check your eye's intraocular pressure and test for glaucoma. The results of these tests will allow our expert team to determine if additional treatments are necessary to preserve your vision. These additional treatments may include medications, eye injections, or surgeries.
Texas State Optical Bandera Reviews
The personel was so nice.
Doctor Victoria C. Perez and her staff was very helpful in their caring for me to get new glasses. Thank you for your assistance.
I love the staff of TSO and Dr. Perez is amazing. I always have the best experience with them. They’re kind, friendly and efficient.
I have not had my eyes checked in a very long time, so I was a bit nervous. However, my entire experience was absolutely wonderful! Everyone was so kind and patient. I highly recommend them!!! <3
Staff is very friendly. If the patient in front of you is not chatty you don’t have to wait for the doctor and she was fast. I would highly recommend TSO on Bandera and 1604.
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How Are Diabetic Eye Conditions Diagnosed?
Diabetic eye conditions are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated retinal examination to check for signs of damage, such as leaking blood vessels, swelling, or retinal abnormalities. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be used to capture detailed images of the retina, while fluorescein angiography can assess blood flow in the eye. Regular screenings are essential for early detection and management to help prevent vision loss.
Learn More About Texas State Optical Bandera
About UsPreserve and Protect Your Vision
When you have diabetes, visiting our practice to screen for diabetic eye diseases is just as important as visiting your regular medical physician to manage your diabetes. Our Texas State Optical Bandera eye care team is highly trained to treat diabetic eye complications and help patients preserve their vision. To schedule an appointment in San Antonio, TX, contact our practice to learn more from our knowledgeable team today.
Diabetes FAQs
How does high blood sugar contribute to diabetic eye conditions?
High blood sugar levels can lead to swelling and damage to the blood vessels in the retina, a key part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. Over time, this damage can cause the vessels to leak fluid or bleed, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy or macular edema. Persistent high blood sugar also increases the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma, which are more common in individuals with diabetes. Managing blood sugar levels is critical to reducing the risk of these complications.
Can diabetic eye conditions progress even if my blood sugar levels are controlled?
Yes, diabetic eye conditions can still progress even with well-controlled blood sugar levels, though the risk is significantly lower. Long-term diabetes can cause cumulative damage to the retina and other parts of the eye, so even those with good glucose control may experience some eye issues. Regular eye exams remain essential for monitoring any changes and catching potential problems early, regardless of how well your blood sugar is managed.
How often should someone with diabetes get a comprehensive eye exam?
It is generally recommended that individuals with diabetes undergo a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. However, the frequency of these exams may increase if you have already been diagnosed with a diabetic eye condition or if your blood sugar levels are not well controlled. During these exams, your eye care provider can detect early signs of damage, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent further complications.