Skip to main content
Corneal Disease·El Toro, Orange County

Pellucid Marginal Degeneration Treatment in El Toro, California

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

Pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) is a progressive corneal thinning disorder where the inferior peripheral cornea thins in a band pattern, causing the cornea above to protrude forward. Unlike keratoconus, which thins at the apex, PMD thins at the periphery. This creates a characteristic 'against-the-rule' or oblique astigmatism that is very difficult to correct with glasses or standard contact lenses. Scleral lenses are often the best non-surgical solution, vaulting over the entire irregular surface to provide clear, stable vision.

El Toro patients experiencing pellucid marginal degeneration benefit from our 35+ years of diagnostic experience and advanced imaging capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Bonakdar on Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert pellucid marginal degeneration diagnosis and treatment for patients in El Toro 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 Pellucid Marginal Degeneration?

Pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) is a progressive corneal thinning disorder where the inferior peripheral cornea thins in a band pattern, causing the cornea above to protrude forward. Unlike keratoconus, which thins at the apex, PMD thins at the periphery. This creates a characteristic 'against-the-rule' or oblique astigmatism that is very difficult to correct with glasses or standard contact lenses. Scleral lenses are often the best non-surgical solution, vaulting over the entire irregular surface to provide clear, stable vision.

How is Pellucid Marginal Degeneration treated?

Treatment options include Scleral Contact Lens Fitting, Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) for Progression, Pentacam Corneal Tomography Monitoring, Corneal Transplant (severe cases). The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Pellucid Marginal Degeneration?

Common symptoms include Progressive blurring of vision, High irregular astigmatism not correctable with glasses, Distorted or ghosted images, Difficulty with night driving, Frequent prescription changes. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Pellucid Marginal Degeneration?

El Toro residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:

  • Progressive blurring of vision
  • High irregular astigmatism not correctable with glasses
  • Distorted or ghosted images
  • Difficulty with night driving
  • Frequent prescription changes
  • Inferior corneal thinning on topography

How is Pellucid Marginal Degeneration treated?

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

Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) for Progression
Pentacam Corneal Tomography Monitoring
Corneal Transplant (severe cases)
Specialty RGP Contact Lenses

Pellucid Marginal Degeneration FAQs for El Toro Patients

Common questions from El Toro patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose pellucid marginal degeneration using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. El Toro patients receive the same comprehensive diagnostic technology used at major academic eye centers, right here in Orange County.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for pellucid marginal degeneration including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Dr. Bonakdar personalizes each El Toro 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 El Toro, with appointment times designed to fit your schedule.
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, and Medicare for pellucid marginal degeneration 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

Pellucid Marginal Degeneration Care for El Toro Residents

El Toro patients seeking care for pellucid marginal degeneration benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for El Toro residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. We provide thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs. Whether your condition requires ongoing monitoring, medical therapy, or surgical co-management, our practice ensures continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.

About El Toro

Established Lake Forest neighborhood with family-friendly atmosphere

Population: 20,000+

FamiliesWorking professionalsLong-term residents

Languages Spoken in El Toro

Our practice serves the diverse El Toro community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishKorean

Eye Health Priorities for El Toro

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

Conveniently Located Near El Toro Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for El Toro patients living near:

El Toro Road (main corridor)
Laguna Hills Mall (nearby)
El Toro High School
Heritage Hill Historical Park

Getting to Our Office from El Toro

Drive Time
30 min
Primary Route
241 Toll Road
Distance
13.7 mi

El Toro patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 241 Toll Road 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

El Toro Neighborhoods We Serve

  • El Toro proper

Zip codes: 92630

Why El Toro Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

Corneal Specialty Practice

Dr. Bonakdar has 35+ years treating corneal conditions including pellucid marginal degeneration, with advanced slit lamp and topography diagnostics.

Scleral Lens Expertise

Custom scleral and specialty contact lens fittings for irregular corneas, dry eye, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Same-Day Urgent Visits

El Toro patients with acute corneal symptoms can often be seen the same day for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Coordinated Surgical Care

When corneal surgery is needed, we coordinate with top corneal surgeons and manage your complete pre- and post-operative care.

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 Pellucid Marginal Degeneration Specialist in El Toro

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating pellucid marginal degeneration 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 El Toro

See why your neighbors in El Toro 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 Pellucid Marginal Degeneration Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for El Toro and Orange County residents.

Call (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal