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Ocular Surface Disease·Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County

Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular) Treatment in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

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

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks moisture-producing glands throughout the body. The lacrimal glands are a primary target, causing severe aqueous-deficient dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) that is often more debilitating than typical dry eye. Patients experience persistent burning, grittiness, light sensitivity, and fluctuating vision. When standard dry eye treatments (drops, punctal plugs, anti-inflammatory therapy) are insufficient, scleral lenses provide continuous corneal hydration and dramatically improve comfort and visual quality.

Rancho Santa Margarita families should know that sjögren's syndrome (ocular) can affect patients of all ages. Our practice provides age-appropriate evaluation and treatment, with clear explanations that help every family member understand the care plan.

Dr. Bonakdar on Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular)

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert sjögren's syndrome (ocular) diagnosis and treatment for patients in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular)?

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks moisture-producing glands throughout the body. The lacrimal glands are a primary target, causing severe aqueous-deficient dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) that is often more debilitating than typical dry eye. Patients experience persistent burning, grittiness, light sensitivity, and fluctuating vision. When standard dry eye treatments (drops, punctal plugs, anti-inflammatory therapy) are insufficient, scleral lenses provide continuous corneal hydration and dramatically improve comfort and visual quality.

How is Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular) treated?

Treatment options include Scleral Contact Lens Fitting, Autologous Serum Eye Drops, Punctal Occlusion, Topical Cyclosporine (Restasis) or Lifitegrast (Xiidra). The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular)?

Common symptoms include Severe dry eye with burning and grittiness, Light sensitivity, Blurred vision that fluctuates throughout the day, Dry mouth (often concurrent), Difficulty wearing standard contact lenses. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular)?

Parents and families in Rancho Santa Margarita should watch for these symptoms in both children and adults, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes:

  • Severe dry eye with burning and grittiness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurred vision that fluctuates throughout the day
  • Dry mouth (often concurrent)
  • Difficulty wearing standard contact lenses
  • Recurrent corneal erosions
  • Filamentary keratitis

How is Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular) treated?

We work with Rancho Santa Margarita families to select treatments that fit both the patient's needs and the family's schedule, with clear instructions parents and patients can follow at home:

Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Autologous Serum Eye Drops
Punctal Occlusion
Topical Cyclosporine (Restasis) or Lifitegrast (Xiidra)
IPL Therapy
Oral Pilocarpine or Cevimeline
Moisture Chamber Goggles

Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular) FAQs for Rancho Santa Margarita Patients

Common questions from Rancho Santa Margarita patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose sjögren's syndrome (ocular) using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Rancho Santa Margarita families, we provide age-appropriate testing for children and adults alike, with clear explanations that help parents understand their child's diagnosis.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for sjögren's syndrome (ocular) including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We help Rancho Santa Margarita families choose treatments that fit the patient's age and the family's schedule, with follow-up plans designed around school and work calendars.
Call (949) 323-3600 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. We offer before- and after-school appointment times for Rancho Santa Margarita families, and can schedule siblings together to minimize trips to our office.
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, and Medicare for sjögren's syndrome (ocular) 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

Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular) Care for Rancho Santa Margarita Residents

Rancho Santa Margarita patients seeking care for sjögren's syndrome (ocular) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. We serve Rancho Santa Margarita families by making appointments efficient and educational, ensuring parents understand their child's diagnosis and every patient leaves with a clear care plan. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita

Master-planned foothill community with excellent schools and outdoor recreation

Population: 48,000+

Families with childrenOutdoor enthusiastsCommuter professionalsActive community

Languages Spoken in Rancho Santa Margarita

Our practice serves the diverse Rancho Santa Margarita community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishKoreanMandarin

Eye Health Priorities for Rancho Santa Margarita

  • Pediatric eye exams and vision screening
  • Myopia control and management
  • Sports vision for young athletes
  • Digital eye strain from screens
  • Learning-related vision problems

Conveniently Located Near Rancho Santa Margarita Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Rancho Santa Margarita patients living near:

Rancho Santa Margarita Lake
O'Neill Regional Park
Tijeras Creek Golf Club
RSM Town Center
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Getting to Our Office from Rancho Santa Margarita

Drive Time
35 min
Primary Route
241 Toll Road
Distance
16.8 mi

Rancho Santa Margarita patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 241 Toll Road in approximately 35 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get Directions

Rancho Santa Margarita Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Dove Canyon
  • Robinson Ranch
  • Tijeras Creek
  • Walden

Zip codes: 92688

Why Rancho Santa Margarita Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular)

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating sjögren's syndrome (ocular).

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 Rancho Santa Margarita

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular) Specialist in Rancho Santa Margarita

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating sjögren's syndrome (ocular) 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 Rancho Santa Margarita

See why your neighbors in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Sjögren's Syndrome (Ocular) Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Rancho Santa Margarita and Orange County residents.

Call (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal