Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) Treatment in Surfside, California
Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Severe dry eye developing after bone marrow/stem cell transplant
- Gritty, burning, or stabbing eye pain
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Blurred vision that worsens throughout the day
- Excessive tearing (reflex tearing from surface damage)
Treatment Options
- Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
- Autologous Serum Eye Drops
- Punctal Occlusion
- Topical Cyclosporine or Lifitegrast
- IPL Therapy for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in 40-90% of patients after allogeneic bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. The donor immune cells attack the recipient's lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and conjunctiva, causing severe dry eye, corneal damage, and chronic pain that significantly impacts quality of life. Scleral lenses are a cornerstone of management for ocular GVHD, providing continuous corneal hydration, surface protection, and vision correction when standard dry eye treatments are insufficient.
Surfside patients experiencing graft-versus-host disease (ocular) benefit from our 35+ years of diagnostic experience and advanced imaging capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.
Dr. Bonakdar on Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular)
Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert graft-versus-host disease (ocular) diagnosis and treatment for patients in Surfside 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 Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular)?
Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in 40-90% of patients after allogeneic bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. The donor immune cells attack the recipient's lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and conjunctiva, causing severe dry eye, corneal damage, and chronic pain that significantly impacts quality of life. Scleral lenses are a cornerstone of management for ocular GVHD, providing continuous corneal hydration, surface protection, and vision correction when standard dry eye treatments are insufficient.
How is Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) treated?
Treatment options include Scleral Contact Lens Fitting, Autologous Serum Eye Drops, Punctal Occlusion, Topical Cyclosporine or Lifitegrast. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.
What are the symptoms of Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular)?
Common symptoms include Severe dry eye developing after bone marrow/stem cell transplant, Gritty, burning, or stabbing eye pain, Light sensitivity (photophobia), Blurred vision that worsens throughout the day, Excessive tearing (reflex tearing from surface damage). If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.
What are the symptoms of Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular)?
Surfside residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:
- Severe dry eye developing after bone marrow/stem cell transplant
- Gritty, burning, or stabbing eye pain
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Blurred vision that worsens throughout the day
- Excessive tearing (reflex tearing from surface damage)
- Difficulty opening eyes in the morning
- Conjunctival redness and scarring
How is Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) treated?
Treatment for Surfside patients is tailored to the specific type and severity of their condition. Options available at our practice include:
Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) FAQs for Surfside Patients
Common questions from Surfside patients about our eye care services
Have more questions? Call us at (949) 323-3600
We don't take Medi-Cal
Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) Care for Surfside Residents
Surfside patients seeking care for graft-versus-host disease (ocular) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Surfside residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. 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 Surfside
Tiny exclusive gated beachfront colony
Population: 300+
Languages Spoken in Surfside
Our practice serves the diverse Surfside community. We provide care to patients who speak:
Eye Health Priorities for Surfside
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Contact lens fittings
- Glasses and eyewear
- Eye disease treatment
- Emergency eye care
Conveniently Located Near Surfside Landmarks
Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Surfside patients living near:
Getting to Our Office from Surfside
Surfside patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 22 Freeway in approximately 25 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.
801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get DirectionsSurfside Neighborhoods We Serve
- Surfside Colony
Zip codes: 90743
Why Surfside Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular)
35+ Years of Experience
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating graft-versus-host disease (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 Surfside
Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Surfside and surrounding communities.

Your Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) Specialist in Surfside
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating graft-versus-host disease (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.
Patient Stories from Surfside
See why your neighbors in Surfside 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."
Comprehensive Exam
"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."
Schedule Your Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) Consultation
Expert diagnosis and treatment for Surfside and Orange County residents.
Related Conditions
Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) Treatment in Nearby Cities
Also serving nearby Orange County cities
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Seal Beach
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Rossmoor
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Los Alamitos
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Westminster
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Midway City
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Cypress
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Long Beach
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Ocular) in Huntington Beach