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Pediatric Ophthalmology·Irvine, Orange County

Sturge-Weber Syndrome Treatment in Irvine, 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.

Irvine's screen-intensive work culture can influence how sturge-weber syndrome symptoms are experienced throughout the day. We factor your digital lifestyle into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

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 Irvine 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?

Irvine professionals working at screens may first notice symptoms during extended computer use or at the end of a long workday:

  • 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?

For Irvine's digital professionals, we prioritize treatments compatible with extended screen use and offer strategies to optimize visual comfort during work hours:

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 Irvine Patients

Common questions from Irvine 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. For Irvine's tech professionals, we assess how digital device usage and work environment may be contributing to or masking symptoms during your diagnostic evaluation.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for sturge-weber syndrome including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Irvine tech workers benefit from treatments optimized for screen use—we recommend solutions that maintain visual clarity through long hours of near work.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Irvine professionals can schedule around work—we offer lunch-hour and late-afternoon appointments with minimal wait times.
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 Irvine Residents

Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a systemic condition with important ocular manifestations that require specialized monitoring. Many Irvine residents work in screen-intensive professions, so we factor digital lifestyle demands into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Patients from Irvine 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 Irvine

Highly educated tech hub with large Asian-American population

Population: 307,000+

Tech professionalsUniversity studentsYoung familiesHigh income households

Languages Spoken in Irvine

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

EnglishMandarinKoreanFarsiVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Irvine

  • Computer vision syndrome treatment
  • Digital eye strain solutions
  • Blue light protection
  • Dry eye from reduced blinking
  • Ergonomic vision consultations

Conveniently Located Near Irvine Landmarks

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

Irvine Spectrum Center
UC Irvine
Great Park
Irvine Medical Center

Getting to Our Office from Irvine

Drive Time
15 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
4.8 mi

Irvine patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 15 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

Irvine Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Woodbridge
  • University Park
  • Northwood
  • Turtle Rock
  • Quail Hill
  • Woodbury

Zip codes: 92602, 92603, 92604, 92606, 92612, 92614, 92617, 92618, 92620, 92697

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 Irvine patients.

Why Irvine Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Child-Friendly Practice

Age-appropriate testing and a reassuring environment help Irvine'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 Irvine

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 Irvine

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Santa Ana, CA

Comprehensive Exam

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Santa Ana, CA

Schedule Your Sturge-Weber Syndrome Consultation

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