Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment in San Antonio, TX

Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of serious eye diseases that can affect individuals with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts. When blood sugar levels remain high over time, they can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, leakage, or the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These complications can cause blurry or distorted vision, vision loss, or even blindness if left untreated.

At Trinidad Vision, our experienced team provides advanced care for diabetic eye disease in San Antonio, helping patients manage their eye health and protect their sight. Because diabetic eye disease often develops silently in the early stages, routine eye exams and early detection are vital for long-term eye health.

Read the full article in San Antonio Medicine.

Retinal image showing optic disc and blood vessels.

When to See a Doctor About Diabetic Eye Disease in San Antonio, TX

Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema can develop slowly, making it essential for diabetics to schedule annual eye exams and dilated eye exams to monitor their condition. You should contact an eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Blurry or fluctuating vision that doesn’t improve with new lenses
Dark floaters, flashes, or sudden distorted vision
Difficulty seeing at night or sensitivity to glare
Faded colors or loss of contrast
Sudden or partial vision loss

The risk of developing diabetic eye disease increases with poor blood sugar control, high cholesterol levels, and long-term diabetes. Regular screenings allow your doctor to identify problems before they worsen, significantly reducing the chance of permanent vision loss.

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Our Diabetic Eye Disease Diagnosis Process

Step 1: Comprehensive Diabetic Eye Exam

Your visit begins with a detailed evaluation of your eye health, including an examination of the retina, optic nerve, and retinal blood vessels. Dr. Jake Trinidad and our experienced team will measure your visual acuity and check for signs of non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Step 2: Advanced Retinal Imaging & Testing

We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture high resolution cross sectional images of your retina. This technology helps identify fluid buildup, swelling, scar tissue, vitreous changes, and abnormal vessel growth that may signal diabetic macular edema or early retinal detachment.

Step 3: Individualized Treatment & Vision Preservation Plan

Once we’ve identified the specific stage and severity of your diabetic eye disease, we create a personalized diabetic retinopathy treatment plan. This may include managing blood sugar levels, lifestyle changes, and routine eye exams to prevent progression.
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In advanced cases, our treatment options include laser treatment, medication injections, or surgery to remove scar tissue or correct retinal detachment. Early and proactive care can significantly reduce your risk of vision problems and preserve good vision for years to come.

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What to Expect with Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes-related vision problems can progress without noticeable warning signs. Diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease, develops in stages:

Mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR): Small retinal blood vessels weaken, leak fluid, and cause swelling, but vision may remain stable.
Severe NPDR: More significant blood vessel damage occurs, leading to retinal hemorrhages and increased risk of vision loss.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): The most advanced stage, where new blood vessels form, potentially causing retinal detachment, severe bleeding, and blindness.

At Trinidad Vision, we emphasize early intervention and preventative care to minimize complications. With proper management, many patients with diabetes can maintain good vision for years to come.

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Badge reading "Scene In SA Top SA Surgeon 2025"

Dr. Jake Trinidad

Medical Director & Lead Surgeon

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Why Choose Trinidad Vision?

Managing diabetic eye disease requires specialized care, and at Trinidad Vision, we’re dedicated to helping patients with diabetes protect their sight and preserve long-term eye health. Dr. Jake Trinidad and our experienced team use advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to detect complications early and slow disease progression. With a strong focus on patient education, preventative care, and lasting vision protection, we provide every individual with the customized support they need.

Certifications

"Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology"

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Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment San Antonio Loves

I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for!!

“This was the most comfortable Dr appointment I’ve ever had.. there was no waiting.. the machines for checking out your eyes were so easy.. and I was so happy to reunite with a first grade student that I had the pleasure of teaching .. Dr. Trinidad!! What a sweet surprise..
His office has great technicians and the atmosphere was very welcoming !! I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for !!"

Trudy A.

Dr Trinidad and his staff are a great team.

“They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited! Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend Dr Trinidad”

Keelin W.

Dr Trinidad is absolutely the best!

“I’m almost 86 years old been to a lot of ophthalmologists and he is without a doubt the most communicative, caring, brilliant, best kept secret in San Antonio! Highly recommend not doing anybody with him he has it all.”

Trudy A.

Very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind.

"My visit with Dr.Trinidad and his staff was for my annual Diabetic eye exam. It went extremely well, Dr Trinidad's staff made me feel very much at ease. After Dr. Trinidad examined my eye's.He took his time to explain his findings and scheduled a followup.I would highly recommend Dr. Trinidad. He was very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind. Thank you so much to Dr. Trinidad and staff."

Joseph Luciano

They were helpful and knowledgeable.

"I had an excellent experience with Dr. Trinidad and his medical assistants and other employees... The Dr. and his staff was wonderful, and they were able to diagnose my problems effectively, providing me with the information and advice needed."

Grant H.

Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision

"Dr Trinidad and his staff are a great team. They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited! Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend Dr Trinidad"

Keelin W.

Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile

"Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile, the communication how Dr. Trinidad explained everything so detailed was very impressed. Honestly felt like I was talking to a childhood friend 👌. Nicole as a representative at the front was incredibly pleasant. They also had T. Ford, Versace, CHANEL and offer botox (I think)."

Donivon Y.

Above and beyond

"Everyone had patience, was understanding, and went above and beyond to calm my nerves through out my whole visit. Not only did Dr.Trinidad take his time to make sure I understood what he was seeing/going on with my eyes but he truly does care and is passionate about his work. I definitely will be making him the person I go to for all my eye visits."

Kayla W.

Insurance & Financing Options

Diabetes-related eye care is typically covered by most medical insurance plans, but specific coverage may depend on your provider and the severity of your condition. At Trinidad Vision, we work with major insurance plans, including VSP and other vision coverage options, and offer financing solutions to help make essential eye care accessible.

If you’re unsure about your benefits or have questions about coverage, our team is happy to assist. Contact us to discuss your options and ensure you receive the care you need.

Financing & Insurance Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Can diabetic eye disease be reversed?

Early stages can often be managed with lifestyle changes and better blood sugar control. However, advanced diabetic retinopathy or macular edema may cause permanent damage. Treatments like laser therapy and injections can slow progression and protect remaining vision.

How often should people with diabetes get an eye exam?

The American Diabetes Association recommends annual eye exams for individuals with diabetes, as diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults. If you already have eye complications or are at risk, more frequent monitoring may be necessary, especially before PDR occurs.

Can I prevent diabetic eye disease?

While not entirely preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk by keeping high blood sugar levels under control, maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure, and scheduling regular eye exams for early detection and management.

Does diabetic eye disease always cause vision loss?

While not fully preventable, controlling blood sugar, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and scheduling regular eye exams can greatly reduce your risk.

Is diabetic eye disease treatment covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans cover exams and treatment for diabetic eye disease, as it is considered a medical condition rather than routine vision care. Our team can help you understand your coverage.

Can diabetic eye disease cause scar tissue in the eye?

Yes. Advanced diabetic eye disease, especially proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), can lead to scar tissue as abnormal blood vessels grow and leak.