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Uveitis·Irvine, Orange County

Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) Treatment in Irvine, California

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. · Updated February 2026

A rare but devastating viral infection of the retina, most often caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes rapid death (necrosis) of retinal tissue and has a high risk of leading to retinal detachment.

Although screen use doesn't directly cause most retinal conditions, Irvine tech workers with high myopia—common in near-work-intensive careers—face elevated risk for acute retinal necrosis (arn) and should have regular retinal monitoring.

Dr. Bonakdar on Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN)

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert acute retinal necrosis (arn) diagnosis and treatment for patients in Irvine and throughout Orange County. With over 35 years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific condition severity and lifestyle needs.

What is Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN)?

A rare but devastating viral infection of the retina, most often caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes rapid death (necrosis) of retinal tissue and has a high risk of leading to retinal detachment.

How is Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) treated?

Treatment options include Requires urgent treatment with high-dose intravenous antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir)., Systemic steroids may be added after antiviral therapy is initiated., Laser treatment is often performed to reduce the risk of retinal detachment.. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN)?

Common symptoms include Blurred vision, Floaters, Eye pain, Starts in one eye but can spread to the other. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN)?

Irvine professionals working at screens may first notice symptoms during extended computer use or at the end of a long workday:

  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters
  • Eye pain
  • Starts in one eye but can spread to the other

How is Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) treated?

For Irvine's digital professionals, we prioritize treatments compatible with extended screen use and offer strategies to optimize visual comfort during work hours:

Requires urgent treatment with high-dose intravenous antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir).
Systemic steroids may be added after antiviral therapy is initiated.
Laser treatment is often performed to reduce the risk of retinal detachment.

Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) FAQs for Irvine Patients

Common questions from Irvine patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose acute retinal necrosis (arn) using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Irvine's tech professionals, we assess how digital device usage and work environment may be contributing to or masking symptoms during your diagnostic evaluation.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for acute retinal necrosis (arn) including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Irvine tech workers benefit from treatments optimized for screen use—we recommend solutions that maintain visual clarity through long hours of near work.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Irvine professionals can schedule around work—we offer lunch-hour and late-afternoon appointments with minimal wait times.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for acute retinal necrosis (arn) diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182

Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) Care for Irvine Residents

Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) demands prompt, expert evaluation—the retina cannot regenerate, so early intervention is critical. Many Irvine residents work in screen-intensive professions, so we factor digital lifestyle demands into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Dr. Bonakdar uses widefield retinal imaging and OCT scanning to detect and monitor retinal pathology with high sensitivity. For Irvine patients with acute retinal necrosis (arn), we provide thorough diagnostic workups and coordinate with retinal surgeons when intervention is needed, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

About Irvine

Highly educated tech hub with large Asian-American population

Population: 307,000+

Tech professionalsUniversity studentsYoung familiesHigh income households

Languages Spoken in Irvine

Our practice serves the diverse Irvine community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishMandarinKoreanFarsiVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Irvine

  • Computer vision syndrome treatment
  • Digital eye strain solutions
  • Blue light protection
  • Dry eye from reduced blinking
  • Ergonomic vision consultations

Conveniently Located Near Irvine Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Irvine patients living near:

Irvine Spectrum Center
UC Irvine
Great Park
Irvine Medical Center

Getting to Our Office from Irvine

Drive Time
15 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
4.8 mi

Irvine patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 15 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get Directions

Irvine Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Woodbridge
  • University Park
  • Northwood
  • Turtle Rock
  • Quail Hill
  • Woodbury

Zip codes: 92602, 92603, 92604, 92606, 92612, 92614, 92617, 92618, 92620, 92697

Urgent: Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) Requires Immediate Attention

Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) is considered an ocular emergency. Irvine residents experiencing symptoms should seek evaluation as soon as possible to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Call Now: (714) 558-1182

Why Irvine Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN)

Uveitis Experience

Inflammatory eye conditions like acute retinal necrosis (arn) require careful differentiation—Dr. Bonakdar evaluates and treats all types of ocular inflammation.

Systemic Workup Coordination

Many uveitis cases have underlying systemic causes. We coordinate lab work and specialist referrals for Irvine patients.

Steroid Management

Experienced monitoring of anti-inflammatory therapy to control inflammation while minimizing side effects like elevated IOP and cataract.

Complication Surveillance

Regular screening for uveitis complications including glaucoma, cataract, and macular edema ensures early intervention.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) Specialist in Irvine

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating acute retinal necrosis (arn) and complex eye conditions. Trained at the #1-ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsBascom Palmer
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Irvine

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"Not a fan of getting my eyes checked but the receptionist and Dr. were very nice and eased my anxiety."

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Santa Ana, CA

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Expert diagnosis and treatment for Irvine and Orange County residents.