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Retina·Capistrano Beach, Orange County

Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity Treatment in Capistrano Beach, California

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

Retinal damage that can occur from long-term use of the medications chloroquine (Aralen) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which are used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The toxicity can cause irreversible central vision loss.

Capistrano Beach patients experiencing chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity benefit from our 35+ years of diagnostic experience and advanced imaging capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Bonakdar on Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity diagnosis and treatment for patients in Capistrano Beach 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 Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity?

Retinal damage that can occur from long-term use of the medications chloroquine (Aralen) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which are used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The toxicity can cause irreversible central vision loss.

How is Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity treated?

Treatment options include There is no treatment to reverse the damage., The most important step is to stop the medication if toxicity is confirmed., Regular screening with visual field testing and retinal imaging (OCT, autofluorescence) is crucial for early detection in patients taking these drugs.. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity?

Common symptoms include Often asymptomatic in early stages, Difficulty reading, Blurred central vision, A ring-like blind spot (paracentral scotoma), Changes in color vision. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity?

Capistrano Beach residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:

  • Often asymptomatic in early stages
  • Difficulty reading
  • Blurred central vision
  • A ring-like blind spot (paracentral scotoma)
  • Changes in color vision

How is Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity treated?

Treatment for Capistrano Beach patients is tailored to the specific type and severity of their condition. Options available at our practice include:

There is no treatment to reverse the damage.
The most important step is to stop the medication if toxicity is confirmed.
Regular screening with visual field testing and retinal imaging (OCT, autofluorescence) is crucial for early detection in patients taking these drugs.

Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity FAQs for Capistrano Beach Patients

Common questions from Capistrano Beach patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. Capistrano Beach patients receive the same comprehensive diagnostic technology used at major academic eye centers, right here in Orange County.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Dr. Bonakdar personalizes each Capistrano Beach patient's treatment plan based on condition severity, lifestyle demands, and long-term visual goals.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible from Capistrano Beach, with appointment times designed to fit your schedule.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity Care for Capistrano Beach Residents

Capistrano Beach patients seeking care for chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Capistrano Beach residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. We provide thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs. Whether your condition requires ongoing monitoring, medical therapy, or surgical co-management, our practice ensures continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.

About Capistrano Beach

Relaxed beach community with surf culture and coastal lifestyle

Population: 6,000+

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Languages Spoken in Capistrano Beach

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

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Eye Health Priorities for Capistrano Beach

  • Comprehensive eye examinations
  • Contact lens fittings
  • Glasses and eyewear
  • Eye disease treatment
  • Emergency eye care

Conveniently Located Near Capistrano Beach Landmarks

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

Capistrano Beach Park
Doheny State Beach
Palisades Drive
Capo Beach Boardwalk

Getting to Our Office from Capistrano Beach

Drive Time
40 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
23.1 mi

Capistrano Beach patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 40 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

Capistrano Beach Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Capo Beach proper

Zip codes: 92624

Don't Delay Treatment for Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity

Without timely care, chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity can lead to lasting visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for Capistrano Beach patients.

Why Capistrano Beach Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity

Retinal Imaging Technology

Widefield retinal photography and OCT scanning detect chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity changes that may not be visible during standard examination.

Early Detection Focus

Retinal conditions are often treatable when caught early—our comprehensive exams screen for pathology before symptoms appear.

Retinal Specialist Network

When Capistrano Beach patients need retinal intervention, we coordinate seamlessly with fellowship-trained retinal surgeons.

Ongoing Monitoring

Structured follow-up schedules ensure chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity progression is tracked and treatment adjusted as needed.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity Specialist in Capistrano Beach

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine toxicity 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 Capistrano Beach

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