Neurotrophic Keratitis Treatment in Irvine, California
Neurotrophic Keratitis — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Persistent corneal epithelial defect that does not heal
- Reduced or absent corneal sensation
- Red eye with minimal pain (paradoxically)
- Blurred vision
- History of herpes eye infection, diabetes, or neurological surgery
Treatment Options
- Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
- Cenegermin (Oxervate) — recombinant nerve growth factor
- Amniotic Membrane Transplant
- Autologous Serum Eye Drops
- Tarsorrhaphy (partial eyelid closure)
Neurotrophic keratitis is a degenerative corneal disease caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which provides sensory innervation to the cornea. Without normal nerve function, the cornea loses its ability to heal and maintain itself, leading to persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulceration, and potential perforation — often with minimal pain because the cornea has reduced sensation. Common causes include herpes simplex or zoster keratitis, diabetes, acoustic neuroma surgery, and trigeminal neuralgia procedures. Scleral lenses protect the corneal surface and promote healing by maintaining constant hydration.
Extended screen use in Irvine's tech-driven work culture reduces blink rate by up to 60%, which can worsen corneal surface conditions including neurotrophic keratitis. We address both the corneal pathology and the digital lifestyle factors.
Dr. Bonakdar on Neurotrophic Keratitis
Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert neurotrophic keratitis 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 Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Neurotrophic keratitis is a degenerative corneal disease caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which provides sensory innervation to the cornea. Without normal nerve function, the cornea loses its ability to heal and maintain itself, leading to persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulceration, and potential perforation — often with minimal pain because the cornea has reduced sensation. Common causes include herpes simplex or zoster keratitis, diabetes, acoustic neuroma surgery, and trigeminal neuralgia procedures. Scleral lenses protect the corneal surface and promote healing by maintaining constant hydration.
How is Neurotrophic Keratitis treated?
Treatment options include Scleral Contact Lens Fitting, Cenegermin (Oxervate) — recombinant nerve growth factor, Amniotic Membrane Transplant, Autologous Serum Eye Drops. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.
What are the symptoms of Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Common symptoms include Persistent corneal epithelial defect that does not heal, Reduced or absent corneal sensation, Red eye with minimal pain (paradoxically), Blurred vision, History of herpes eye infection, diabetes, or neurological surgery. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.
What are the symptoms of Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Irvine professionals working at screens may first notice symptoms during extended computer use or at the end of a long workday:
- Persistent corneal epithelial defect that does not heal
- Reduced or absent corneal sensation
- Red eye with minimal pain (paradoxically)
- Blurred vision
- History of herpes eye infection, diabetes, or neurological surgery
- Corneal thinning or ulceration
How is Neurotrophic Keratitis treated?
For Irvine's digital professionals, we prioritize treatments compatible with extended screen use and offer strategies to optimize visual comfort during work hours:
Neurotrophic Keratitis FAQs for Irvine Patients
Common questions from Irvine patients about our eye care services
Have more questions? Call us at (949) 323-3600
We don't take Medi-Cal
Neurotrophic Keratitis Care for Irvine Residents
Corneal conditions like neurotrophic keratitis require specialized diagnostic equipment and clinical experience. Many Irvine residents work in screen-intensive professions, so we factor digital lifestyle demands into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Our practice uses high-resolution corneal topography and anterior segment OCT to evaluate the cornea's structure layer by layer. This precision is essential for neurotrophic keratitis, where treatment decisions depend on accurate staging and documentation of changes over time. We develop individualized treatment plans that may include medicated drops, specialty lenses, or surgical referral when indicated.
About Irvine
Highly educated tech hub with large Asian-American population
Population: 307,000+
Languages Spoken in Irvine
Our practice serves the diverse Irvine community. We provide care to patients who speak:
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:
Getting to Our Office from Irvine
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 DirectionsIrvine 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 Neurotrophic Keratitis
35+ Years of Experience
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating neurotrophic keratitis.
Advanced Diagnostics
OCT imaging, corneal topography, visual field testing, and retinal photography for precise diagnosis.
Insurance Accepted
VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and most major vision and medical insurance plans. We do not accept Medi-Cal.
Convenient for Irvine
Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Irvine and surrounding communities.
Your Neurotrophic Keratitis Specialist in Irvine
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating neurotrophic keratitis and complex eye conditions. A graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.
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."
Comprehensive Exam
"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."
Schedule Your Neurotrophic Keratitis Consultation
Expert diagnosis and treatment for Irvine and Orange County residents.