Preserve Your Vision With Vision Care Crossroads

Diabetic Retinopathy in Crossroads

Preserve Your Vision With Vision Care Crossroads

(425) 883-9300

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 Vision Care Crossroads 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, Vision Care Crossroads in Crossroads 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 Vision Care Crossroads in Crossroads 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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187 Reviews
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- Oct. 04, 2024
Friendly staff, efficient process and a kind and knowledgeable doctor!
- Sep. 11, 2024
I went here for my eye exam, Dr Jessica was really good and she answered all my questions patiently....
- Sep. 05, 2024
Both of my kids go to see Dr. Lee for their OK lenses that they can wear at night. One of my daughte... r's eyes is a little bit not that normal and she needs repeated adjustments for her contacts visit after visit. Dr. Lee works with us very patiently and spent hours and hours checking/measuring/talking with us so that the lenses can fit her eyes perfect to achieve 20/20 day light vision. Really awesome doctor Dr. Lee who puts patient's needs on top of everything else.
- May. 24, 2024
Dr. Mindy Lee was so thoughtful in her assessment. Showed care by carefully explaining and made sure... that I understood. I would definitely recommend Vision Care Crossroads to anyone that need a great optometrist.
- Apr. 25, 2024
I 100% recommend Dr. Sam Hsu. I have been going to see him for about 20 years and he has always bee... n friendly, courteous, knowledgeable, and willing to explain everything to a level of detail that satisfies my curiosity. He also has an amazing memory and it's like we just talked yesterday when I go to see him. See you next year Sam. Also, to give a little extra context about my 5-star rating. My insurance changed and I chose to pay out of pocket to continue to see him this year. The staff was very clear and helpful about what any tests and procedures would add to the bill.
- Mar. 24, 2024
Just wanted to give a shoutout to Dr. Sam Hsu - seriously impressive! I dropped by last month and ha... d an awesome experience. Dr. Hsu is a total pro, explained everything clearly and had a great knack for making me feel comfortable. What blew me away was how he knew the ins and outs of insurance. Saved me some cash by working out what my plan covered. Total lifesaver. Plus, the ladies at the front desk are always friendly and helpful, putting patient's needs at the first place. The clinic has a cool, laid-back vibe that instantly puts me at ease. Highly recommend
- Feb. 28, 2024
We have been visiting Dr.Hsu for more than a decade. what a wonderful doctor. I recommend to anyone ... for annual eye check ups
- Feb. 27, 2024
I had my first visit to Vision Care yesterday and my appointment was with Dr. Yu. She was amazing, s... o helpful and kind, as were the staff. I am happy to finally find a new eye doctor I trust. Thank you Vision Care & Dr. Yu!
- Feb. 10, 2024
Always great experiences here at this eye doctor's office. Both of the Doctors at this location are ... amazing. The front desk staff are friendly and efficient. I recommend 100%!
- Jan. 30, 2024
We've been going to Dr. Hsu for 20 years; he's great! We also really appreciate the staff wearing ma... sks for our visit.
- Jan. 29, 2024
Awesome staff, Awesome doctor & great selections
- Jan. 26, 2024
Dr. Minha Lee is skilled and professional and listens to her patients. The staff are great to work w... ith, too.
- Jan. 18, 2024
The doctor and staff are very professional and caring!
- Dec. 30, 2023
Our family has seen Dr. Sam Hsu for over ten years…always love our annual chats. Staff is efficien... t, consistent, and super helpful
- Nov. 07, 2023
overall great experiences! Doctors are professional, efficient, and nice to work with. Friendly admi... n staff as well!
- Nov. 02, 2023
Good place and very nice people including doctors.
- Oct. 07, 2023
Excellent practice! Dr. Lee took time to explain the results of the exam. Will be returning with t... he whole family!
- Sep. 19, 2023
VISION CARE CROSSROAD has Excellent staff. If you are needing vision care go see Dr. HSU OR DR. LEE.... The staff is great and wonderful selection of glasses available. Easy parking and location easy to find. Fun shops nearby. Trustworthy vision care!
- Aug. 25, 2023
Dr. Hsu is great! and the staff are helpful and friendly. I have been visiting Dr. Hsu for my annual... eye exam from last 5 years.
- Aug. 15, 2023
The staff was exceptionally friendly, and Dr. Minha Lee was outstanding. I didn't feel hurried at al... l. Dr. Lee took the time to answer all my questions and provided detailed explanations

View All 187 Reviews

Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in Crossroads

Our optometry practice in Crossroads

Photograph of Sam  Hsu
Hours
  • Monday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(425) 883-9300