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Uveitis·Cerritos, Los Angeles County

Sympathetic Ophthalmia Treatment in Cerritos, California

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

A rare, bilateral diffuse granulomatous uveitis that occurs after a penetrating trauma or surgery to one eye (the 'exciting' eye). The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy, uninjured eye (the 'sympathizing' eye).

Sympathetic Ophthalmia is an inflammatory condition that can have serious visual consequences if not properly managed. Cerritos residents experiencing eye pain with redness and light sensitivity should seek prompt evaluation.

Dr. Bonakdar on Sympathetic Ophthalmia

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert sympathetic ophthalmia 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 Sympathetic Ophthalmia?

A rare, bilateral diffuse granulomatous uveitis that occurs after a penetrating trauma or surgery to one eye (the 'exciting' eye). The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy, uninjured eye (the 'sympathizing' eye).

How is Sympathetic Ophthalmia treated?

Treatment options include Aggressive, long-term systemic immunosuppression with steroids and other agents., Prompt repair of the initial injury is important. In rare cases, removal of the severely injured, blind eye (enucleation) may be considered to prevent the disease.. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Sympathetic Ophthalmia?

Common symptoms include Blurred vision, pain, and light sensitivity in the uninjured eye, typically weeks to months after the injury to the first eye.. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Sympathetic Ophthalmia?

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

  • Blurred vision, pain, and light sensitivity in the uninjured eye, typically weeks to months after the injury to the first eye.

How is Sympathetic Ophthalmia treated?

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

Aggressive, long-term systemic immunosuppression with steroids and other agents.
Prompt repair of the initial injury is important. In rare cases, removal of the severely injured, blind eye (enucleation) may be considered to prevent the disease.

Sympathetic Ophthalmia FAQs for Cerritos Patients

Common questions from Cerritos patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose sympathetic ophthalmia 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 sympathetic ophthalmia 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 sympathetic ophthalmia diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Sympathetic Ophthalmia Care for Cerritos Residents

Sympathetic Ophthalmia is an inflammatory condition that requires careful diagnosis and monitoring to prevent complications like glaucoma and cataract formation. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Cerritos residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Our approach to uveitis management for Cerritos patients includes identifying the underlying cause when possible, controlling active inflammation with targeted therapy, and monitoring for side effects of treatment. We work closely with rheumatologists and other specialists when systemic evaluation is needed.

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

Urgent: Sympathetic Ophthalmia Requires Immediate Attention

Sympathetic Ophthalmia is considered an ocular emergency. Cerritos residents experiencing symptoms should seek evaluation as soon as possible to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Call Now: (714) 558-1182

Why Cerritos Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Sympathetic Ophthalmia

Uveitis Experience

Inflammatory eye conditions like sympathetic ophthalmia require careful differentiation—Dr. Bonakdar evaluates and treats all types of ocular inflammation.

Systemic Workup Coordination

Many uveitis cases have underlying systemic causes. We coordinate lab work and specialist referrals for Cerritos patients.

Steroid Management

Experienced monitoring of anti-inflammatory therapy to control inflammation while minimizing side effects like elevated IOP and cataract.

Complication Surveillance

Regular screening for uveitis complications including glaucoma, cataract, and macular edema ensures early intervention.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Sympathetic Ophthalmia Specialist in Cerritos

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating sympathetic ophthalmia 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 Sympathetic Ophthalmia Consultation

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