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Tumor·Laguna Beach, Orange County

Choroidal Melanoma Treatment in Laguna Beach, California

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

Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye in adults. It arises from the pigment cells in the choroid layer.

UV exposure in Laguna Beach's sunny coastal environment is a recognized risk factor for retinal conditions. Cumulative sun damage over years of beach living can contribute to choroidal melanoma progression.

Dr. Bonakdar on Choroidal Melanoma

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert choroidal melanoma diagnosis and treatment for patients in Laguna 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 Choroidal Melanoma?

Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye in adults. It arises from the pigment cells in the choroid layer.

How is Choroidal Melanoma treated?

Treatment options include Plaque Brachytherapy (Radiation), Enucleation (Removal of eye), Laser Therapy. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Choroidal Melanoma?

Common symptoms include None (early stages), Flashes and floaters, Growing dark spot on iris, Vision loss. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Choroidal Melanoma?

Laguna Beach residents may notice symptoms more acutely during outdoor activities—ocean glare, wind, and sand can amplify visual disturbances and discomfort:

  • None (early stages)
  • Flashes and floaters
  • Growing dark spot on iris
  • Vision loss

How is Choroidal Melanoma treated?

For Laguna Beach's coastal residents, we consider your active outdoor lifestyle when recommending treatments—ensuring solutions work for beach activities, water sports, and sun exposure:

Plaque Brachytherapy (Radiation)
Enucleation (Removal of eye)
Laser Therapy

Choroidal Melanoma FAQs for Laguna Beach Patients

Common questions from Laguna Beach patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose choroidal melanoma using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Laguna Beach's coastal residents, we also assess environmental factors like UV exposure and salt air irritation that may influence symptoms and diagnosis.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for choroidal melanoma including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We consider Laguna Beach's active beach lifestyle when selecting treatments—ensuring your correction works for water sports, outdoor activities, and sun exposure.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. We know Laguna Beach residents value flexibility—we offer early morning appointments so you can still enjoy your coastal afternoons.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for choroidal melanoma diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Choroidal Melanoma Care for Laguna Beach Residents

Choroidal Melanoma demands prompt, expert evaluation—the retina cannot regenerate, so early intervention is critical. Living in Laguna Beach's coastal environment adds unique considerations—UV exposure, wind, and salt air can influence both symptoms and treatment choices. Dr. Bonakdar uses widefield retinal imaging and OCT scanning to detect and monitor retinal pathology with high sensitivity. For Laguna Beach patients with choroidal melanoma, we provide thorough diagnostic workups and coordinate with retinal surgeons when intervention is needed, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

About Laguna Beach

World-famous art colony and coastal resort community with LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere

Population: 23,000+

Artists and galleriesLGBTQ+ communityBeach enthusiastsTouristsAffluent retirees

Languages Spoken in Laguna Beach

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

EnglishSpanish

Eye Health Priorities for Laguna Beach

  • UV damage and photokeratitis from ocean glare
  • Pterygium (surfer's eye) from wind and sun exposure
  • Dry eye from salt air and coastal winds
  • Sports vision needs for water activities

Conveniently Located Near Laguna Beach Landmarks

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

Laguna Art Museum
Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters
Main Beach
Heisler Park
Crystal Cove State Park
Laguna Beach Art Galleries

Getting to Our Office from Laguna Beach

Drive Time
30 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
14.8 mi

Laguna Beach patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 30 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

Laguna Beach Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Downtown Laguna
  • Top of the World
  • North Laguna
  • South Laguna
  • Laguna Canyon

Zip codes: 92651, 92652, 92607

Why Laguna Beach Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Choroidal Melanoma

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating choroidal melanoma.

Advanced Diagnostics

OCT imaging, corneal topography, visual field testing, and retinal photography for precise diagnosis.

Insurance Accepted

VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major vision and medical insurance plans.

Convenient for Laguna Beach

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Laguna Beach and surrounding communities.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Choroidal Melanoma Specialist in Laguna Beach

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating choroidal melanoma 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 Laguna Beach

See why your neighbors in Laguna Beach 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."

emily garcia
Santa Ana, CA

Comprehensive Exam

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

Eduardo arias
Santa Ana, CA

Schedule Your Choroidal Melanoma Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Laguna Beach and Orange County residents.