San Antonio Diabetic Retinopathy

About Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive diabetic eye disease that affects the retina and its delicate retinal blood vessels. It develops when prolonged high blood sugar levels damage these vessels, causing them to weaken, swell, or leak fluid and blood into the retina. Over time, this damage can interfere with visual acuity and lead to serious vision loss.
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In the early stages, many diabetic patients experience few or no symptoms, which is why routine monitoring is critical. As the disease progresses, abnormal blood vessels may grow, scar tissue can form, and bleeding may occur, increasing the risk of permanent vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults with diabetes, particularly when left untreated.

When to See an Eye Doctor for Diabetic Retinopathy

Because developing retinopathy often occurs without early warning signs, routine eye exams are essential for all diabetics, including those who are insulin dependent. Early symptoms may include blurry or distorted vision, difficulty focusing, changes in contrast, or the sudden appearance of floaters. As damage worsens, patients may experience significant vision problems that interfere with daily life.
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Poor blood sugar control, elevated blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels greatly increase the risk of progression. Without proper management, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness, even in patients who previously maintained good vision.

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Our Diabetic Retinopathy Evaluation Process

1 Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Consultation

Your visit begins with a detailed diabetic eye exam at Trinidad Vision. We review your medical history, diabetes management, and vision concerns while evaluating retinal health and visual acuity.

2 Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use advanced technologies to examine the retina and blood vessels in detail. Imaging tools such as retinal scans and optical coherence tomography help detect abnormal blood, swelling, bleeding, or early signs of vessel growth that may otherwise go unnoticed.

3Personalized Treatment Planning

Based on your exam results, your doctor creates a customized plan to treat diabetic retinopathy and reduce future risk. Each strategy is designed to slow progression, manage complications, and protect long-term vision.

Protect Your Vision from Diabetes-Related Damage

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What to Expect from Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

If diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, your treatment plan will be focused on preventing vision loss and protecting retinal health. Many patients are able to stabilize their condition through early intervention, improved metabolic control, and targeted therapy.
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Treatments are typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, and most patients tolerate procedures well. Recovery timelines vary based on disease severity and treatment type, but the goal is always to preserve vision and prevent future eye complications.
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Delaying care increases the risk of irreversible damage. With consistent monitoring and timely treatment, most patients can significantly reduce the likelihood of advanced disease and maintain functional vision.

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Dr. Jake Trinidad

Medical Director & Lead Surgeon

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Why Choose Trinidad Vision for Diabetic Retinopathy Care?

At Trinidad Vision, diabetic eye care is proactive and personalized. Led by Dr. Jake Trinidad, our practice combines advanced diagnostics with compassionate care tailored to each patient’s condition.
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We focus on education, transparency, and long-term eye health. From early monitoring to advanced treatment for proliferative disease, our team provides clear guidance at every stage.
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Patients throughout San Antonio, TX, choose Trinidad Vision for our experience with diabetic eye disease, commitment to early detection, and dedication to protecting vision for the long term.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

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..."

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.

Financing & Insurance

Managing diabetic eye disease is an important investment in your vision and overall health. Trinidad Vision accepts most major insurance plans, including vision insurance, and offers flexible financing options to make care accessible.
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Contact our office to discuss coverage details or payment solutions.

Financing & Insurance Options

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Options at Trinidad Vision

There is no single approach to diabetic retinopathy treatment. Care depends on disease stage, symptoms, and overall health. At Trinidad Vision, we focus on preserving vision, preventing progression, and coordinating care tailored to each patient.

Monitoring and Diagnostic Care

In the early stages, treatment may involve close monitoring combined with improved blood sugar control and systemic health management. Comprehensive eye exams, optical coherence tomography, and other diagnostic tests help detect subtle retinal changes before vision is affected.

Treatment for Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

For non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, care focuses on controlling retinal swelling and monitoring macular edema. Patients may benefit from medical management and regular imaging to track disease progression and prevent advancement to later stages.

Treatment for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

In advanced cases, when abnormal blood vessels grow, intervention is often required. Laser treatment or laser therapy may be used to seal leaking vessels and reduce oxygen demand in the retina. In some cases, injectable medications are used to limit vessel growth and reduce inflammation. If bleeding or scar tissue causes retinal traction or detachment, surgery may be necessary to restore retinal stability.

Vision Preservation and Support

When vision changes affect daily activities, supportive options may help patients adapt. These solutions aim to maintain independence while reducing strain and managing light sensitivity associated with diabetic eye disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented?

Good blood sugar control, regular eye exams, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol can greatly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy or slow its progression.

How often should diabetics have eye exams?

Most diabetics should have annual diabetic eye exams, though patients with developing retinopathy may need more frequent monitoring.

Can diabetic retinopathy cause blindness?

Yes. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness, especially in advanced stages involving bleeding or retinal detachment.

Is diabetic retinopathy painful?

Diabetic retinopathy is usually painless, which is why many patients do not realize they have it until vision changes occur.

Does treatment restore lost vision?

Treatment is designed to stop or slow progression. While some patients experience improvement, the primary goal is to prevent further damage and preserve remaining vision.

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About Diabetic Retinopathy

When to See an Eye Doctor for Diabetic Retinopathy