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Oculoplastics·San Clemente, Orange County

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) Treatment in San Clemente, California

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

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or Graves' orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition affecting the muscles and tissues around the eyes. It commonly occurs with hyperthyroidism but can develop even when thyroid levels are normal. The inflammation causes the eye muscles and fat to swell, leading to bulging eyes, double vision, and in severe cases, vision-threatening optic nerve compression.

San Clemente's coastal environment can influence how thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) presents and responds to treatment. Factors like UV exposure, wind, and marine air quality are considered in our evaluation and management approach.

Dr. Bonakdar on Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) diagnosis and treatment for patients in San Clemente 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 Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)?

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or Graves' orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition affecting the muscles and tissues around the eyes. It commonly occurs with hyperthyroidism but can develop even when thyroid levels are normal. The inflammation causes the eye muscles and fat to swell, leading to bulging eyes, double vision, and in severe cases, vision-threatening optic nerve compression.

How is Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) treated?

Treatment options include Selenium supplementation, Lubricating eye drops and gels, Prism glasses for double vision, Orbital decompression surgery. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)?

Common symptoms include Bulging eyes (proptosis/exophthalmos), Eyelid retraction showing white above or below iris, Double vision (diplopia), Dry, gritty, irritated eyes, Eye redness and swelling. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)?

San Clemente residents may notice symptoms more acutely during outdoor activities—ocean glare, wind, and sand can amplify visual disturbances and discomfort:

  • Bulging eyes (proptosis/exophthalmos)
  • Eyelid retraction showing white above or below iris
  • Double vision (diplopia)
  • Dry, gritty, irritated eyes
  • Eye redness and swelling
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty closing eyes completely

How is Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) treated?

For San Clemente's coastal residents, we consider your active outdoor lifestyle when recommending treatments—ensuring solutions work for beach activities, water sports, and sun exposure:

Selenium supplementation
Lubricating eye drops and gels
Prism glasses for double vision
Orbital decompression surgery
Eyelid surgery for retraction
Strabismus surgery for double vision
Teprotumumab (Tepezza) infusion therapy

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) FAQs for San Clemente Patients

Common questions from San Clemente patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For San Clemente's coastal residents, we also assess environmental factors like UV exposure and salt air irritation that may influence symptoms and diagnosis.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We consider San Clemente's active beach lifestyle when selecting treatments—ensuring your correction works for water sports, outdoor activities, and sun exposure.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. We know San Clemente residents value flexibility—we offer early morning appointments so you can still enjoy your coastal afternoons.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) Care for San Clemente Residents

San Clemente patients seeking care for thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Living in San Clemente's coastal environment adds unique considerations—UV exposure, wind, and salt air can influence both symptoms and treatment choices. 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 San Clemente

Spanish Village by the Sea with surf culture and coastal lifestyle

Population: 65,000+

SurfersRetireesBeach lifestyle enthusiastsArtistsMilitary families

Languages Spoken in San Clemente

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

EnglishSpanish

Eye Health Priorities for San Clemente

  • UV damage and photokeratitis from ocean glare
  • Pterygium (surfer's eye) from wind and sun exposure
  • Dry eye from salt air and coastal winds
  • Sports vision needs for water activities

Conveniently Located Near San Clemente Landmarks

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

San Clemente Pier
San Clemente Outlets
Casa Romantica Cultural Center
Trestles Beach
San Clemente State Beach
Richard Nixon Western White House

Getting to Our Office from San Clemente

Drive Time
45 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
26.5 mi

San Clemente patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 45 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

San Clemente Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Downtown San Clemente
  • San Clemente Pier Area
  • Talega
  • Marblehead Coastal

Zip codes: 92672, 92673, 92674

Don't Delay Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)

Without timely care, thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) can lead to lasting visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for San Clemente patients.

Why San Clemente Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy).

Advanced Diagnostics

OCT imaging, corneal topography, visual field testing, and retinal photography for precise diagnosis.

Insurance Accepted

VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major vision and medical insurance plans.

Convenient for San Clemente

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from San Clemente and surrounding communities.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) Specialist in San Clemente

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) 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 San Clemente

See why your neighbors in San Clemente 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

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