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Retina·Irvine, Orange County

Epiretinal Membrane Treatment in Irvine, California

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

An epiretinal membrane (ERM), or macular pucker, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms over the macula. It can cause distorted vision.

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 epiretinal membrane and should have regular retinal monitoring.

Dr. Bonakdar on Epiretinal Membrane

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert epiretinal membrane 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 Epiretinal Membrane?

An epiretinal membrane (ERM), or macular pucker, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms over the macula. It can cause distorted vision.

How is Epiretinal Membrane treated?

Treatment options include Monitoring (if mild), Vitrectomy surgery (peeling). The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Epiretinal Membrane?

Common symptoms include Distorted vision (straight lines look wavy), Blurred central vision. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Epiretinal Membrane?

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

  • Distorted vision (straight lines look wavy)
  • Blurred central vision

How is Epiretinal Membrane treated?

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

Monitoring (if mild)
Vitrectomy surgery (peeling)

Epiretinal Membrane FAQs for Irvine Patients

Common questions from Irvine patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose epiretinal membrane 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 epiretinal membrane 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 epiretinal membrane diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Epiretinal Membrane Care for Irvine Residents

Epiretinal Membrane 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 epiretinal membrane, 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

Why Irvine Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Epiretinal Membrane

Retinal Imaging Technology

Widefield retinal photography and OCT scanning detect epiretinal membrane 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 Irvine patients need retinal intervention, we coordinate seamlessly with fellowship-trained retinal surgeons.

Ongoing Monitoring

Structured follow-up schedules ensure epiretinal membrane progression is tracked and treatment adjusted as needed.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Epiretinal Membrane Specialist in Irvine

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating epiretinal membrane 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

See why your neighbors in Irvine 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 Epiretinal Membrane Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Irvine and Orange County residents.