Diabetic Retinopathy

Jose Mayans, MD

Ophthalmologist & Retinal Surgeon located in Odessa, TX

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world, but early detection reduces your risk of serious complications. At his eye clinic in Odessa, Texas, Jose Mayans, MD, specializes in treating diabetic retinopathy and brings the most advanced therapies available to your care. To get treated by an experienced and approachable ophthalmologist with more than 20 years of experience, call Jose Mayans, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.

432-217-6641

Diabetic Retinopathy Q & A

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disorder associated with diabetes. Diabetes is a blood glucose disorder that leads to high levels of sugar in your blood. If left uncontrolled for an extended period of time, this excess sugar blocks blood vessels in different areas of your body, including your retinas.

Your retina is the light-sensitive area at the back of your eye that helps focus information entering your eye before sending it to your brain for processing. Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar reduces blood flow to your retina, and your eye tries to correct it by making new blood vessels. These new growths are usually defective and can leak, causing fluid to build up in your eye.

Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious vision complications, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and blindness.

What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy doesn’t always cause symptoms. As your condition advances, it’s common to experience:

Blurred or fluctuating vision
Dark or empty areas in your line of sight
Dark strings or spots, known as floaters
Impaired color vision

When you have diabetic retinopathy, these symptoms usually occur in both of your eyes. Your chance of developing diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you have diabetes and if your blood sugar levels aren’t under control.

How is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Mayans diagnoses diabetic retinopathy during a comprehensive eye exam. During your appointment, Dr. Mayans uses optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to create ultra-high resolution, three-dimensional images of your retina. This noninvasive visual imaging can detect vascular issues in your retina layer by layer to help detect and manage conditions like diabetic retinopathy.

After reaching a diagnosis, Dr. Mayans develops a diabetic retinopathy management plan based on the extent of your condition and symptoms. In some cases, you don’t need to begin treatment immediately, but Dr. Mayans continues to closely monitor your eyes while you work with your primary care physician to more effectively manage your blood sugar.

For advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Mayans might recommend MicroPulse® laser therapy. This treatment uses continuous-wave laser beams delivered in short, low energy pulses to treat diabetic macular edema, or fluid in your retina because of leaking blood vessels from diabetic retinopathy.

Call Jose Mayans, MD, or schedule an appointment online today for diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

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