Preserve Your Vision With Family Vision Center

Diabetic Retinopathy in Tucson

Preserve Your Vision With Family Vision Center

(520) 663-5393

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 Family Vision Center 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, Family Vision Center in Tucson 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 Family Vision Center in Tucson 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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- Nov. 22, 2024
I work out of town and was having some symptoms that started feeling alarming to me. Dr. Amy and her... team got me in quickly, ran some tests, and reassured me that things were OK. We then scheduled my regular eye exam for a few weeks down the road. Retest to make sure things were good - refit with new contact lenses. Insurance billing for both medical and vision taken care of with very little hassle on my end. Seeing great and resting easy. Thanks so much Family Vision! Highly recommended!
- Oct. 08, 2024
Got in an accident and my glasses flew off of my head and got bent and were very loose. I took them ... in to see if they could bend them back and tighten them. They got me taken care of right away and were able to get them back to the shape they were in. I offered to pay them for their service but they said it was no charge. This is the exact reason I frequent these kind of places as well as highly recommend them to all friends/family. Customer service is second to none!!!
- Aug. 05, 2024
A huge thank you to June and the receptionists at Family Vision Center! I was extended camping on M... t Lemmon when my glasses broke - screw came out, and I couldn't see to fix them. After reading the previous reviews, I came here for help. They were welcoming, and so quick and kind. I would absolutely recommend them based on their customer service skills. Thank you all so very much!
- Jul. 26, 2024
There are individuals still wearing masks at this location, just like 2021. Remember when those mask... -wearers bully everyone.
- May. 15, 2024
Our family LOVES this office! We have seen Drs. Dechant and Horst and have had pleasant experiences ... both times. When I took my 10 year old for her first check-up last month she was terrified. The assistant, Danielle, was so kind, patient, and aware of her needs without even asking any questions. She helped her feel comfortable and at ease - something that is not easy to do with a high-anxiety kid. We love the staff in this office and will continue to be patients as long as we live here! <3
- May. 10, 2024
The service was phenomenal. I don’t really go out my way to leave reviews unless the service was o... ut of this world and it truly was. Everyone was super welcoming, and great at what they do. 10 out of 10!
- Feb. 10, 2024
Tremendous staff. Great service and experience.
- Dec. 14, 2023
If I could give 10 stars I would. I have been seeing Dr. Amy for as long as I can remember. Long b... efore they moved to their current location on Tanque Verde. Dr. Amy and staff are like family to me and I have referred so many people to Family Vision Center that I've lost count. From my very first visit to her way back (I think at least two decades ago, but I may be off by a little) she treated me like a long time patient and even came in on her day off to check my eyes to make sure the infection I had was progressing well. That cinched it for me, she would be my doctor for life (or until she retires, which will be a sad day for me even though I know others on staff at Family Vision Center will be just as kind and caring).
- Mar. 20, 2023
Dr. Anna Jones was extremely knowledgeable, and caring. She’s very informative and explained as sh... e performed the exam, and I had learned a lot about eye health. The front desk receptionists are super friendly, helpful, and patient. I’m new to the area, and our vision insurance is not accepted at the practice. Yet, our daughter could barely see the classroom board. Family Vision Center had not only let her come for the eye exam much sooner than any other practices in town but also offered a huge discount that ended up cheaper than the places that would accept my vision insurance. Everyone in the office is extremely helpful and genuinely nice. They put the patient’s interest above all and not hesitate to go above and beyond, so my daughter can see much better yet extremely affordable. The practice is very clean, organized, and modern with large coffee station. I strongly recommend Family Vision Center to everyone in Tucson. Thank you Family Vision Center.
- Jan. 19, 2023
I've been seeing Dr. Amy Fuhr-Dechant for a couple years now and I love her! She is patient and real... ly takes her time with me to make sure I'm getting the perfect prescription. The front desk staff is amazing. The phones are always answered on the 1st or 2nd ring and if there is a hold time it is very brief. Everyone you get to talk to are kind, professional, and patient with you. The people who help you try on frames and help with the ordering process are also great. They will be honest with you and let you know if a frame isn't right for you and will help you find something that looks great on you. When I had to send my frames in to get new lenses they gave me some contacts to last me until my frames were ready to be picked up. Everyone here is very personable, professional, and kind. I recommend all of my patients to Family Vision Center.
- Dec. 27, 2022
Just want to take the time to add to my review of the Family Vision Center, on Tanque Verde in Tucso... n AZ, Again, another BIG Thank You !!! I was having an little problem with my contacts !!! And it was resolved so easily !!! Especially want to mention Desiree ( optometrist assistant) & Camilla ( front desk staff & billing) they are both such a GREAT asset to the Family Vision Center’s Business!!! Mary Palazzo OPTOMETRIST Amy Fuhr-Dechant, You are the BEST !!! The contacts that you suggested worked Perfectly !!! Your Loyal Patient, Mary Palazzo
- Dec. 27, 2022
Very friendly staff and a nice selection of frames.
- Nov. 23, 2022
Excellent care by Dr. Horst thru the years. Now doing my follow up after cataract surgery at Hodges ... eye care center. They keep an eye on You.
- May. 26, 2022
Enjoyed my eye exam and glasses selection experience. Very friendly and helpful staff, and Dr. Hors... t's exam seemed very thorough.
- Jan. 28, 2022
I was in Tucson on vacation and needed an emergency pair of replacement contacts. I called FVC to s... ee if they had any contacts on hand that fit my prescription and offered to pay. They did have my prescription but insisted I could just have them for free. FVC doesn't know me but they treated me like one of their regular patients. It saved the rest of my vacation!! Thank you!
- Aug. 01, 2021
I've been a patient here for several years, and I trust the doctors to take care of my eyes. The opt... icians on staff are skilled at helping me pick out a great pair of frames (6 pairs of regular glasses and sunglasses so far and counting!) The frame selection is good, the staff are kind, and they understand what my insurance covers. The practice has excellent COVID protocols as well, and I appreciate everyone masking up.
- Jun. 24, 2021
Dr. Jones performed a lengthy examination with patience, kindness and with great communication, taki... ng time to explain all the exam details. We had a great experience meeting with Dr. Jones. I will enthusiastically recommend Dr. Jones to all my friends, family and colleagues.
- Apr. 26, 2021
I have seen Dr. Horst and Dr. Amy Deschant at Family Vision Source. Both doctors are willing to list... en to every concern you have and make adjustments based on your own personal eyesight experience. They trust you. They are also open to suggestions and requests without any push-back, whatsoever. They are happy to explain all of their determinations in detail. I love these two.
- Mar. 31, 2021
I have been seeing Dr. Amy Fuhr Dechant for my eye's examination as well as lens/frame services for ... the past 14 years. Since I am diabetic, OPTOMAP, a diagnostic tool that she uses allows her to give her a comprehensive retinal exam without the use of dilating eye drops. Since I have Type II diabetes, she compares the current OPTOMAP with the earlier OPTOMAP stored on her computer aiding her in screening for progression of various eye diseases such as cataract, vitreous floaters, cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels. She explains the various stages of these diseases so that there are no surprises down the road. She is the best in her profession, very knowledgeable, and takes ample time to give the exact eye prescription. She is as good as it gets. Her pleasant personality and professionalism shine evermore during each visit. The lens and frame section of the Family Vision Source has a great selection, and the staff is caring and considerate. Lisa has been very helpful in finding the best frame that fits well and I do not feel rushed. Last year after several months my lens had developed some issues and she got me new lenses and had them fitted to the existing frame without the additional cost. I enthusiastically recommend Family Vision Source.
- Mar. 26, 2021
From the initial appointment setting, to the new patient paperwork online, to arriving for the appoi... ntment, to the care and professionalism from the doctor and assistant, then to the awesome help from Jun selecting new frames and lens options for my daughter (who is clearly passionate about his job and it shows), this place is the real deal. Definitely not the cheapest options for frames and lenses, but in my opinion well worth spending the extra money to support a local company with such amazing staff and service. The people leaving negative reviews are either Yelpers or just plain crazy. This place is awesome. Every single person I interacted with was courteous, professional, and knew their stuff. If you've ever been to a Lenscrafters, Nationwide, etc... this would be the complete opposite. Why play games with your eyeballs?

View All 156 Reviews

Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosis & Treatment in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Photograph of Mark Fischer
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • EyeMed
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • Avesis

blood sugaer level testing kit

Have diabetes?

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss.

(520) 663-5393