Preserve Your Vision With Trinity EyeCare

Diabetic Retinopathy in West Plano

Preserve Your Vision With Trinity EyeCare

(972) 378-0707

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 Trinity EyeCare 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, Trinity EyeCare in West Plano 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 Trinity EyeCare in West Plano 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
4.9
328 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Sep. 25, 2024
Excellent care!
- Aug. 27, 2024
Dr Youngblood spent a lot of time with us and even followed up with my son after the weekend to see ... how he was doing. We are very grateful for her time and attention to detail. He is doing much better thanks to her exam and expertise. The office staff was wonderful and really worked with us to find an appointment that worked for everyone. The staff member who helped us with our prescription and insurance options after the appointment was very knowledgeable and friendly. We are so impressed - thank you!
- Aug. 12, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Peng for 5 years. Having never worn glasses before, the process seemed ... daunting. I came to Trinity with mysterious vertigo no other doctor could address. Dr. Peng diagnosed me and soon my life became clear again! The staff at Trinity made my transition to wearing glasses smooth through their patience and kindness. Dr. Peng is unwavering in his dedication to his patients. His expertise is unmatched. Personalized service from people who obviously care and love their craft is rare today. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment at Trinity.
- Aug. 09, 2024
Excellent staff and doctors
- Aug. 08, 2024
been taking care of me for awhile, always great!
- Aug. 05, 2024
Outstanding care from Dr. Youngblood. She’s very thorough and patient. The staff at Trinity is ver... y friendly and efficient.
- Jun. 28, 2024
I couldn't be more than happy for them to care for my vision needs, as always keep up the fantastic ... job of your staff. kudos!
- Jun. 03, 2024
Perfect glasses and friendly service.
- May. 18, 2024
Dr Youngblood is awesome and very attentive to your needs and questions.
- Mar. 31, 2024
I have been a patient at Trinity Eye Care for about 20 years now -- my first visit was when I was 5,... and now I'm 26! Throughout all of my visits, everyone has been so kind, attentive and just all-around helpful. This is the only place where I've gotten my night/hard contacts, day/soft contacts and glasses (prescription and blue-light). Even though I now live in another city, I still visit Plano for my annual checkups. Moreover, my parents are also still patients! I don't foresee switching providers... ever. ◡̈
- Mar. 22, 2024
OUTSTANDING service for the past 25 years!
- Mar. 19, 2024
I have been going to Trinity EyeCare over 13 years and I have NO complain so ever and I highly recom... mend.
- Feb. 19, 2024
Professional, Compassionate, Communication, Experts, Caring
- Feb. 14, 2024
I truly liked Dr. Youngblood and the staff. Great doctor, loved the way she approached me. The staff... are polite, friendly, courteous and sincere. I gave it a five because that is what they really are, five star
- Jan. 28, 2024
Everyone is so nice and helpful. Dr. Pang is pretty funny, too.
- Dec. 21, 2023
I’ve been a long time patient of Dr. Pang’s at Trinity Eye Care. I’ve had years of wonderful e... xperiences. Today was my first time seeing Dr. Youngblood and I’m so happy to say that she was amazing too! It’s such a great feeling knowing that no matter who I see I will be taken care of in the best way. I’ve been a patient since 2010 and I will always be one!! Love the Trinity Eye Care team!
- Dec. 07, 2023
Great place
- Dec. 06, 2023
Excellent experience. Highly recommend. Friendly knowledgeable staff that actually listen.
- Nov. 15, 2023
Professional, courteous and friendly staff. There is virtually no waiting time. I have already refer... red one person to this office, a second one is possible in the near future.
- Nov. 06, 2023
Not only are Dr. Pang and Mrs. Pang so incredibly kind, but they and the whole staff (shout out to M... ike and Kristina as well!) take the time to truly care and understand your needs and concerns. I was feeling a bit hopeless with my eyes and struggled to explain what was going on, and it's such a relief that people like Dr. Pang exist. Dr. Pang has been so thorough and meticulous and just all around wonderful, and I'm so fortunate that he is in the area. Coming here has been a real game changer for me and I'm so appreciative to everyone at the office. Again, just thank you so so so much!

View All 328 Reviews

Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in West Plano

Our optometry practice in West Plano

Photograph of Albert  Pang
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday Closed
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MetLife

blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(972) 378-0707