HIV Retinopathy Treatment in Lakewood, California
HIV Retinopathy — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic
- Cotton wool spots on retinal examination
- Retinal hemorrhages
- Microaneurysms
- May have mild visual disturbances
Treatment Options
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve immune function
- Regular dilated eye examinations
- Monitoring for opportunistic infections (CMV, toxoplasmosis)
- Treatment of associated dry eye
- Management of medication side effects
HIV Retinopathy refers to the non-infectious retinal microvasculopathy seen in HIV-positive patients, characterized by cotton wool spots (microinfarcts), retinal hemorrhages, and microaneurysms. This is the most common ocular manifestation of HIV/AIDS, occurring in 50-70% of patients with advanced disease. While HIV retinopathy itself is usually asymptomatic and does not cause significant vision loss, it indicates immunocompromise and risk for opportunistic infections.
HIV Retinopathy requires expert evaluation because the retina cannot regenerate lost cells. Lakewood patients benefit from our comprehensive retinal imaging to detect and monitor changes at the earliest possible stage.
Dr. Bonakdar on HIV Retinopathy
Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert hiv retinopathy diagnosis and treatment for patients in Lakewood 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 HIV Retinopathy?
HIV Retinopathy refers to the non-infectious retinal microvasculopathy seen in HIV-positive patients, characterized by cotton wool spots (microinfarcts), retinal hemorrhages, and microaneurysms. This is the most common ocular manifestation of HIV/AIDS, occurring in 50-70% of patients with advanced disease. While HIV retinopathy itself is usually asymptomatic and does not cause significant vision loss, it indicates immunocompromise and risk for opportunistic infections.
How is HIV Retinopathy treated?
Treatment options include Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve immune function, Regular dilated eye examinations, Monitoring for opportunistic infections (CMV, toxoplasmosis), Treatment of associated dry eye. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.
What are the symptoms of HIV Retinopathy?
Common symptoms include Often asymptomatic, Cotton wool spots on retinal examination, Retinal hemorrhages, Microaneurysms, May have mild visual disturbances. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.
What are the symptoms of HIV Retinopathy?
Lakewood residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:
- Often asymptomatic
- Cotton wool spots on retinal examination
- Retinal hemorrhages
- Microaneurysms
- May have mild visual disturbances
- Indicates advanced HIV/AIDS
- Different from CMV retinitis (infectious)
How is HIV Retinopathy treated?
Treatment for Lakewood patients is tailored to the specific type and severity of their condition. Options available at our practice include:
HIV Retinopathy FAQs for Lakewood Patients
Common questions from Lakewood patients about our eye care services
Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182
HIV Retinopathy Care for Lakewood Residents
HIV Retinopathy demands prompt, expert evaluation—the retina cannot regenerate, so early intervention is critical. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Lakewood residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Dr. Bonakdar uses widefield retinal imaging and OCT scanning to detect and monitor retinal pathology with high sensitivity. For Lakewood patients with hiv retinopathy, we provide thorough diagnostic workups and coordinate with retinal surgeons when intervention is needed, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
About Lakewood
Tree City USA with classic mid-century neighborhoods and strong family values
Population: 79,000+
Languages Spoken in Lakewood
Our practice serves the diverse Lakewood community. We provide care to patients who speak:
Eye Health Priorities for Lakewood
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Contact lens fittings
- Glasses and eyewear
- Eye disease treatment
- Emergency eye care
Conveniently Located Near Lakewood Landmarks
Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Lakewood patients living near:
Getting to Our Office from Lakewood
Lakewood patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 35 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.
801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get DirectionsLakewood Neighborhoods We Serve
- Lakewood Country Club
- Mayfair
- Lakewood Manor
- Carson Park
Zip codes: 90711, 90712, 90713, 90714, 90715
Why Lakewood Patients Choose EyeCare Center for HIV Retinopathy
Retinal Imaging Technology
Widefield retinal photography and OCT scanning detect hiv retinopathy 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 Lakewood patients need retinal intervention, we coordinate seamlessly with fellowship-trained retinal surgeons.
Ongoing Monitoring
Structured follow-up schedules ensure hiv retinopathy progression is tracked and treatment adjusted as needed.
Your HIV Retinopathy Specialist in Lakewood
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating hiv retinopathy 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.
Patient Stories from Lakewood
See why your neighbors in Lakewood 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."
Comprehensive Exam
"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."
Schedule Your HIV Retinopathy Consultation
Expert diagnosis and treatment for Lakewood and Los Angeles County residents.