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Retina·La Palma, Orange County

Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity Treatment in La Palma, 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.

La Palma 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 La Palma 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?

La Palma 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 La Palma 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 La Palma Patients

Common questions from La Palma 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. La Palma 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 La Palma 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 La Palma, 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 La Palma Residents

La Palma 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 La Palma 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 La Palma

Small quiet suburban city with strong Korean-American community

Population: 16,000+

FamiliesKorean communitySuburban residentsCommuters

Languages Spoken in La Palma

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

EnglishKoreanSpanishVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for La Palma

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

Conveniently Located Near La Palma Landmarks

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

La Palma Central Park
La Palma Intercommunity Hospital
John F. Kennedy High School
La Palma Community Center

Getting to Our Office from La Palma

Drive Time
25 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
12.5 mi

La Palma patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 25 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

La Palma Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Central La Palma
  • Walker Street District

Zip codes: 90623

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 La Palma patients.

Why La Palma 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 La Palma 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 La Palma

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 La Palma

See why your neighbors in La Palma trust us with their vision.

Comprehensive Exam

"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

Comprehensive Exam

"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."

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Santa Ana, CA

Schedule Your Chloroquine / Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity Consultation

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