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Retina·Laguna Beach, Orange County

High Myopia Treatment in Laguna Beach, California

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

A condition affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Laguna Beach's bright coastal environment intensifies symptoms of high myopia. Glare from ocean water and sand amplifies visual disturbances, making accurate correction especially important for beach-active residents.

Dr. Bonakdar on High Myopia

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert high myopia 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 myopia management?

Myopia management is a set of treatments designed to slow down the worsening of nearsightedness in children. Instead of just correcting vision with stronger glasses each year, these treatments actively slow the eye's growth to reduce the final level of myopia.

At what age should myopia management start?

Myopia management is most effective when started between ages 6 and 12, during the years when the eye is growing fastest. However, it can still benefit older children and teenagers whose myopia is still progressing.

What happens if childhood myopia is not treated?

Without management, childhood myopia typically gets worse every year until the early twenties. High myopia significantly increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.

Does myopia management really work?

Clinical studies show that myopia management treatments can slow the progression of nearsightedness by 50 to 60 percent. Ortho-K lenses, low-dose atropine drops, and specialty soft lenses have all been proven effective in large-scale research trials.

What is the best myopia treatment for children?

The best treatment depends on your child's age, prescription, and lifestyle. Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight and provide clear vision during the day without glasses. Low-dose atropine eye drops are simple to use. Your eye doctor will recommend the best approach for your child.

What are the symptoms of High Myopia?

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

  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters or flashes
  • Distorted vision
  • Loss of central or peripheral vision

What happens if high myopia is not treated?

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, high myopia can lead to:

  • Rapid increase in nearsightedness throughout childhood
  • Higher risk of retinal detachment in adulthood
  • Increased likelihood of glaucoma and cataracts later in life
  • Greater dependence on thick corrective lenses
  • Potential for myopic macular degeneration causing permanent vision loss
  • Reduced career options that require uncorrected vision standards

How is High Myopia 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:

Intravitreal injections
Laser therapy
Vitrectomy
Observation

Standard Care vs. Specialized Treatment for High Myopia

AspectStandard ApproachSpecialized Treatment
GoalCorrect current vision onlySlow myopia progression by 50-60%
Long-term RiskUnchecked myopia progressionReduced risk of retinal detachment and glaucoma
MethodsRegular glasses or contactsOrtho-K, atropine drops, or specialty lenses
Best StartedAny ageAges 6-12 for maximum effectiveness
MonitoringAnnual eye examAxial length measurement every 6 months

High Myopia FAQs for Laguna Beach Patients

Common questions from Laguna Beach patients about our eye care services

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

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

High Myopia Care for Laguna Beach Residents

Laguna Beach residents experiencing high myopia have access to the full spectrum of refractive care at our practice. Living in Laguna Beach's coastal environment adds unique considerations—UV exposure, wind, and salt air can influence both symptoms and treatment choices. With advanced corneal mapping and wavefront diagnostics, Dr. Bonakdar creates precise prescriptions that account for your unique visual demands—whether for driving, reading, or screen work. We evaluate candidates for glasses, specialty contacts, ortho-K, and surgical co-management to find the approach that best matches your lifestyle and visual goals.

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 High Myopia

Retinal Imaging Technology

Widefield retinal photography and OCT scanning detect high myopia 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 Laguna Beach patients need retinal intervention, we coordinate seamlessly with fellowship-trained retinal surgeons.

Ongoing Monitoring

Structured follow-up schedules ensure high myopia progression is tracked and treatment adjusted as needed.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your High Myopia Specialist in Laguna Beach

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating high myopia 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 High Myopia Consultation

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