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Ocular Surface Disease·Newport Beach, Orange County

Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Treatment in Newport Beach, 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.

Newport Beach's coastal allergens—pollen carried on ocean breezes, salt air, and sand—can trigger or worsen ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. Environmental management combined with targeted treatment provides the best relief.

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 Newport 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 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?

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

  • 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?

For Newport Beach's coastal residents, we consider your active outdoor lifestyle when recommending treatments—ensuring solutions work for beach activities, water sports, and sun exposure:

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 Newport Beach Patients

Common questions from Newport Beach 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. For Newport 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 ocular cicatricial pemphigoid including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We consider Newport Beach's active beach lifestyle when selecting treatments—ensuring your correction works for water sports, outdoor activities, and sun exposure.
Call (949) 323-3600 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. We know Newport Beach residents value flexibility—we offer early morning appointments so you can still enjoy your coastal afternoons.
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 Newport Beach Residents

Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid is one of the conditions we evaluate frequently at our Newport Beach-area practice. Living in Newport Beach's coastal environment adds unique considerations—UV exposure, wind, and salt air can influence both symptoms and treatment choices. 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 Newport Beach

Affluent coastal community with active lifestyle residents

Population: 85,000+

High net worth individualsRetireesBeach lifestyleYacht owners

Languages Spoken in Newport Beach

Our practice serves the diverse Newport Beach community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishMandarin

Eye Health Priorities for Newport 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 Newport Beach Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Newport Beach patients living near:

Fashion Island
Balboa Pier
Newport Harbor
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach

Getting to Our Office from Newport Beach

Drive Time
20 min
Primary Route
55 Freeway
Distance
9.5 mi

Newport Beach patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 55 Freeway 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

Newport Beach Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Balboa Island
  • Corona del Mar
  • Newport Coast
  • Lido Isle
  • Harbor View
  • Bayshores

Zip codes: 92657, 92658, 92660, 92661, 92662, 92663

Why Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach

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 Newport Beach

See why your neighbors in Newport Beach trust us with their vision.

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Schedule Your Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Consultation

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

Call (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal