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Pediatric Ophthalmology·Cerritos, Los Angeles County

Sturge-Weber Syndrome Treatment in Cerritos, California

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

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), also called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a facial port-wine stain (nevus flammeus) in the V1 trigeminal distribution, leptomeningeal angioma, and ocular abnormalities. Up to 70% of patients with port-wine stains involving the upper eyelid develop glaucoma, which can be present at birth or develop later in childhood.

Cerritos patients experiencing sturge-weber syndrome benefit from our 35+ years of diagnostic experience and advanced imaging capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Bonakdar on Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert sturge-weber syndrome diagnosis and treatment for patients in Cerritos 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 Sturge-Weber Syndrome?

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), also called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a facial port-wine stain (nevus flammeus) in the V1 trigeminal distribution, leptomeningeal angioma, and ocular abnormalities. Up to 70% of patients with port-wine stains involving the upper eyelid develop glaucoma, which can be present at birth or develop later in childhood.

How is Sturge-Weber Syndrome treated?

Treatment options include Early and aggressive glaucoma management, Glaucoma surgery (goniotomy, trabeculotomy, tube shunts), Lifelong IOP monitoring, Treatment of choroidal hemangioma if needed. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Sturge-Weber Syndrome?

Common symptoms include Facial port-wine stain birthmark, Glaucoma (often congenital or juvenile onset), Enlarged eye (buphthalmos) in infants, Choroidal hemangioma, Episcleral hemangioma (dilated vessels). If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Sturge-Weber Syndrome?

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

  • Facial port-wine stain birthmark
  • Glaucoma (often congenital or juvenile onset)
  • Enlarged eye (buphthalmos) in infants
  • Choroidal hemangioma
  • Episcleral hemangioma (dilated vessels)
  • Heterochromia (different colored iris)
  • Visual field loss from glaucoma

How is Sturge-Weber Syndrome treated?

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

Early and aggressive glaucoma management
Glaucoma surgery (goniotomy, trabeculotomy, tube shunts)
Lifelong IOP monitoring
Treatment of choroidal hemangioma if needed
Laser or PDT for choroidal lesions
Amblyopia treatment if present
Coordination with neurology for seizure management

Sturge-Weber Syndrome FAQs for Cerritos Patients

Common questions from Cerritos patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose sturge-weber syndrome using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. Cerritos patients receive the same comprehensive diagnostic technology used at major academic eye centers, right here in Orange County.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for sturge-weber syndrome including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Dr. Bonakdar personalizes each Cerritos patient's treatment plan based on condition severity, lifestyle demands, and long-term visual goals.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible from Cerritos, with appointment times designed to fit your schedule.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for sturge-weber syndrome diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182

Sturge-Weber Syndrome Care for Cerritos Residents

Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a systemic condition with important ocular manifestations that require specialized monitoring. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Cerritos residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Patients from Cerritos with sturge-weber syndrome benefit from our comprehensive approach: we screen for the specific ocular findings associated with this condition, document baseline and changes, and communicate findings to your managing physician. Regular surveillance helps detect treatable complications early.

About Cerritos

Affluent planned community with strong Asian-American population and excellent amenities

Population: 49,000+

Asian-American familiesProfessionalsAffluent householdsFamilies with children

Languages Spoken in Cerritos

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

EnglishKoreanMandarinTagalogSpanish

Eye Health Priorities for Cerritos

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

Conveniently Located Near Cerritos Landmarks

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

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Cerritos Towne Center
Cerritos Library
Los Cerritos Center
Cerritos Auto Square

Getting to Our Office from Cerritos

Drive Time
30 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
13.8 mi

Cerritos patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway 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

Cerritos Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Cerritos Towne Center
  • Shadow Park
  • Landmark Square

Zip codes: 90703

Don't Delay Treatment for Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Without timely care, sturge-weber syndrome can lead to lasting visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for Cerritos patients.

Why Cerritos Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Child-Friendly Practice

Age-appropriate testing and a reassuring environment help Cerritos's youngest patients feel comfortable during their exam.

Myopia & Amblyopia Treatment

Evidence-based treatment protocols for sturge-weber syndrome with regular follow-up to ensure progress.

School Vision Support

We communicate with schools and pediatricians about visual accommodations your child may need for academic success.

Family Scheduling

Schedule siblings and parents together to make eye care convenient for the whole family.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Sturge-Weber Syndrome Specialist in Cerritos

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating sturge-weber syndrome and complex eye conditions. Trained at the #1-ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsBascom Palmer
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Cerritos

See why your neighbors in Cerritos 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 Sturge-Weber Syndrome Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Cerritos and Los Angeles County residents.