Now accepting new diabetic & senior patients across Tampa Bay — call (727) 738-5900
Diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of blindness in working-age adults — but with early detection and modern treatment, vision loss is largely preventable.
Diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These vessels can leak, swell, or close off, and in advanced stages the eye grows fragile new vessels that can bleed and cause sudden vision loss.
The most dangerous part is how silent it is early on. Many people have no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred — which is exactly why regular screening matters so much.
Spots, floaters, or dark strings drifting in your vision
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Dark or empty areas in your field of view
Trouble seeing colors
Sudden vision loss (seek care immediately)
We use advanced retinal imaging to detect diabetic retinopathy at its earliest stage and track it precisely over time. Depending on severity, treatment may include careful monitoring, in-office injections, laser treatment, or other proven therapies to stop progression and preserve vision.
Dr. James Powers is an experienced retinal specialist who has helped many diabetic patients across Tampa Bay keep their sight. We’ll explain everything in plain language and build a plan that fits you.
What is it? Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood sugar over time. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age and older adults — and it often has no symptoms in its early, most treatable stages.
How is it caught? Through a dilated eye exam — which is exactly why an annual diabetic eye exam is so important even when your vision feels fine.
Can it be treated? Yes. Caught early, progression can often be slowed or stopped with blood-sugar management and monitoring; more advanced cases may need treatment from a retinal specialist like Dr. Powers.
New patients are always welcome at all three locations. Fill out the form below — just choose your location — and our front desk will reach out to confirm, usually the same day. Prefer to talk to a person? Call (727) 738-5900.
We offer this care at all three of our offices across Tampa Bay.
5413 US Highway 19, New Port Richey, FL 34652
2565 Enterprise Rd, Clearwater, FL 33763
603 7th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701