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Ocular Surface Disease·Irvine Spectrum, Orange County

Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Treatment in Irvine Spectrum, California

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

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), also called mucous membrane pemphigoid, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes progressive scarring of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane lining the inner eyelids and covering the white of the eye). The scarring leads to symblepharon (adhesions), fornix shortening, trichiasis (inward-turning lashes), dry eye, and eventual corneal opacification if untreated. Scleral lenses can provide both vision correction and corneal protection in patients with stable disease, maintaining a hydrated ocular surface over scarred tissue.

Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid is common but its treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Irvine Spectrum residents experiencing persistent eye surface symptoms benefit from professional evaluation rather than self-treatment.

Dr. Bonakdar on Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert ocular cicatricial pemphigoid diagnosis and treatment for patients in Irvine Spectrum 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 Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid?

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), also called mucous membrane pemphigoid, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes progressive scarring of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane lining the inner eyelids and covering the white of the eye). The scarring leads to symblepharon (adhesions), fornix shortening, trichiasis (inward-turning lashes), dry eye, and eventual corneal opacification if untreated. Scleral lenses can provide both vision correction and corneal protection in patients with stable disease, maintaining a hydrated ocular surface over scarred tissue.

How is Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid treated?

Treatment options include Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy (dapsone, mycophenolate, rituximab), Scleral Contact Lens Fitting, Punctal Occlusion, Trichiasis Management. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid?

Common symptoms include Chronic eye redness and irritation, Progressive conjunctival scarring, Symblepharon (adhesions between eyelid and eyeball), Trichiasis (eyelashes turning inward), Severe dry eye. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid?

Irvine Spectrum residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:

  • Chronic eye redness and irritation
  • Progressive conjunctival scarring
  • Symblepharon (adhesions between eyelid and eyeball)
  • Trichiasis (eyelashes turning inward)
  • Severe dry eye
  • Decreased vision from corneal scarring
  • Blistering of skin or oral mucosa (may also occur)

How is Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid treated?

Treatment for Irvine Spectrum patients is tailored to the specific type and severity of their condition. Options available at our practice include:

Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy (dapsone, mycophenolate, rituximab)
Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Punctal Occlusion
Trichiasis Management
Amniotic Membrane Transplant
Conjunctival Surgery for Symblepharon

Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid FAQs for Irvine Spectrum Patients

Common questions from Irvine Spectrum patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose ocular cicatricial pemphigoid using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. Irvine Spectrum patients receive the same comprehensive diagnostic technology used at major academic eye centers, right here in Orange County.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for ocular cicatricial pemphigoid including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Dr. Bonakdar personalizes each Irvine Spectrum patient's treatment plan based on condition severity, lifestyle demands, and long-term visual goals.
Call (949) 323-3600 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible from Irvine Spectrum, with appointment times designed to fit your schedule.
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, and Medicare for ocular cicatricial pemphigoid diagnosis and treatment. We don't take Medi-Cal. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

Have more questions? Call us at (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal

Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Care for Irvine Spectrum Residents

Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid is one of the conditions we evaluate frequently at our Irvine Spectrum-area practice. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Irvine Spectrum residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. While many external eye conditions share similar symptoms—redness, irritation, discharge—accurate diagnosis is essential because the treatments differ significantly. We use careful clinical examination and, when needed, cultures or cytology to identify the specific cause and select the most effective targeted therapy.

About Irvine Spectrum

Premier entertainment and tech business district

Population: 50,000+

Tech workersYoung professionalsEntertainment seekersShoppers

Languages Spoken in Irvine Spectrum

Our practice serves the diverse Irvine Spectrum community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishMandarinKoreanSpanishVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Irvine Spectrum

  • Comprehensive eye examinations
  • Contact lens fittings
  • Glasses and eyewear
  • Eye disease treatment
  • Emergency eye care

Conveniently Located Near Irvine Spectrum Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Irvine Spectrum patients living near:

Irvine Spectrum Center
Great Park
Giant Wheel at Irvine Spectrum
Improv Comedy Club
Edwards IMAX Theater

Getting to Our Office from Irvine Spectrum

Drive Time
20 min
Primary Route
241 Toll Road
Distance
9.6 mi

Irvine Spectrum patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 241 Toll Road 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

Irvine Spectrum Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Spectrum Center Area
  • Portola Springs
  • Woodbury East

Zip codes: 92618, 92603

Why Irvine Spectrum Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

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 Spectrum

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Irvine Spectrum and surrounding communities.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. — Optometrist at EyeCare Center of Orange County specializing in keratoconus and scleral lenses
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. — California-licensed Optometrist with 35+ years of specialty contact lens practice. Graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry.

Your Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Specialist in Irvine Spectrum

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and complex eye conditions. A graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsIllinois College of Optometry
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Irvine Spectrum

See why your neighbors in Irvine Spectrum 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."

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Santa Ana, CA

Schedule Your Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Irvine Spectrum and Orange County residents.

Call (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal