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Neuro-Ophthalmology·Costa Mesa, Orange County

Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease) Treatment in Costa Mesa, California

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

Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA), also known as Kjer's disease, is the most common inherited optic neuropathy, caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene. This autosomal dominant condition leads to progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, resulting in bilateral, symmetric vision loss that typically begins in early childhood. Vision loss is usually mild to moderate but can progress over decades.

Costa Mesa's screen-intensive work culture can influence how dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) symptoms are experienced throughout the day. We factor your digital lifestyle into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Dr. Bonakdar on Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease)

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) diagnosis and treatment for patients in Costa Mesa 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 Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease)?

Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA), also known as Kjer's disease, is the most common inherited optic neuropathy, caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene. This autosomal dominant condition leads to progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, resulting in bilateral, symmetric vision loss that typically begins in early childhood. Vision loss is usually mild to moderate but can progress over decades.

How is Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease) treated?

Treatment options include Regular comprehensive eye examinations, Low vision aids and rehabilitation, Genetic counseling for family planning, Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease)?

Common symptoms include Gradual bilateral vision loss beginning in childhood, Decreased color vision (especially blue-yellow axis), Central or cecocentral scotomas, Pale optic discs on examination, Variable severity even within families. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease)?

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

  • Gradual bilateral vision loss beginning in childhood
  • Decreased color vision (especially blue-yellow axis)
  • Central or cecocentral scotomas
  • Pale optic discs on examination
  • Variable severity even within families
  • Slow progression over years to decades
  • Difficulty with contrast sensitivity

How is Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease) treated?

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

Regular comprehensive eye examinations
Low vision aids and rehabilitation
Genetic counseling for family planning
Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol
Idebenone supplementation (under investigation)
Educational accommodations for children
Occupational therapy for daily living adaptations

Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease) FAQs for Costa Mesa Patients

Common questions from Costa Mesa patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Costa Mesa'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 dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Costa Mesa 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. Costa Mesa 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 dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease) Care for Costa Mesa Residents

Costa Mesa patients seeking care for dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Many Costa Mesa residents work in screen-intensive professions, so we factor digital lifestyle demands into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations. 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 Costa Mesa

Diverse arts and shopping district community

Population: 113,000+

Young professionalsArtistsDiverse communityRetail workers

Languages Spoken in Costa Mesa

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

EnglishSpanishVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Costa Mesa

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

Conveniently Located Near Costa Mesa Landmarks

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

South Coast Plaza
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Orange County Fairgrounds
Triangle Square

Getting to Our Office from Costa Mesa

Drive Time
20 min
Primary Route
55 Freeway
Distance
7.9 mi

Costa Mesa patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 55 Freeway in approximately 20 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

Costa Mesa Neighborhoods We Serve

  • South Coast Metro
  • Mesa Verde
  • Eastside Costa Mesa
  • Westside Costa Mesa

Zip codes: 92626, 92627, 92628

Don't Delay Treatment for Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease)

Without timely care, dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) can lead to lasting visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for Costa Mesa patients.

Why Costa Mesa Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease)

Neuro-Ophthalmic Assessment

Thorough evaluation of dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) including pupil testing, motility assessment, and visual field analysis.

Urgent Neuroimaging Coordination

When Costa Mesa patients present with concerning neuro-ophthalmic signs, we expedite MRI and CT referrals.

Multidisciplinary Approach

We collaborate with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists for conditions that bridge eye and brain.

35+ Years of Clinical Judgment

Distinguishing urgent neuro-ophthalmic findings from benign variants requires experience—Dr. Bonakdar has been making these distinctions since 1991.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer's Disease) Specialist in Costa Mesa

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating dominant optic atrophy (kjer's disease) 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 Costa Mesa

See why your neighbors in Costa Mesa 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

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