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Ocular Surface Disease·Coto de Caza, Orange County

Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy Treatment in Coto de Caza, California

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

Lagophthalmos is the inability to fully close the eyelids, leaving the cornea exposed to air and mechanical trauma during sleep and throughout the day. Common causes include Bell's palsy (facial nerve paralysis), post-surgical facial nerve damage, thyroid eye disease, and eyelid scarring. The exposed cornea dries out, develops epithelial defects, and can ulcerate or perforate. Scleral lenses provide a sealed moisture chamber that protects the cornea continuously, often eliminating the need for taping the eye shut at night.

Pediatric corneal conditions like lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy require specialized attention. Coto de Caza parents should watch for squinting, frequent eye rubbing, and light sensitivity—early signs that warrant prompt evaluation.

Dr. Bonakdar on Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy diagnosis and treatment for patients in Coto de Caza 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 Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy?

Lagophthalmos is the inability to fully close the eyelids, leaving the cornea exposed to air and mechanical trauma during sleep and throughout the day. Common causes include Bell's palsy (facial nerve paralysis), post-surgical facial nerve damage, thyroid eye disease, and eyelid scarring. The exposed cornea dries out, develops epithelial defects, and can ulcerate or perforate. Scleral lenses provide a sealed moisture chamber that protects the cornea continuously, often eliminating the need for taping the eye shut at night.

How is Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy treated?

Treatment options include Scleral Contact Lens Fitting, Lubricating Ointment at Night, Eyelid Taping or Moisture Chambers, Gold Weight Eyelid Implant. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy?

Common symptoms include Inability to fully close the eye, Dry, red, irritated eye — worse upon waking, Corneal drying and staining, Foreign body sensation, Blurred vision from corneal surface damage. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy?

Parents and families in Coto de Caza should watch for these symptoms in both children and adults, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes:

  • Inability to fully close the eye
  • Dry, red, irritated eye — worse upon waking
  • Corneal drying and staining
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Blurred vision from corneal surface damage
  • History of Bell's palsy, thyroid eye disease, or facial surgery

How is Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy treated?

We work with Coto de Caza families to select treatments that fit both the patient's needs and the family's schedule, with clear instructions parents and patients can follow at home:

Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Lubricating Ointment at Night
Eyelid Taping or Moisture Chambers
Gold Weight Eyelid Implant
Tarsorrhaphy (surgical eyelid closure)
Punctal Occlusion

Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy FAQs for Coto de Caza Patients

Common questions from Coto de Caza patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Coto de Caza families, we provide age-appropriate testing for children and adults alike, with clear explanations that help parents understand their child's diagnosis.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We help Coto de Caza families choose treatments that fit the patient's age and the family's schedule, with follow-up plans designed around school and work calendars.
Call (949) 323-3600 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. We offer before- and after-school appointment times for Coto de Caza families, and can schedule siblings together to minimize trips to our office.
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, and Medicare for lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy diagnosis and treatment. We don't take Medi-Cal. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

Have more questions? Call us at (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal

Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy Care for Coto de Caza Residents

Corneal conditions like lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy require specialized diagnostic equipment and clinical experience. We serve Coto de Caza families by making appointments efficient and educational, ensuring parents understand their child's diagnosis and every patient leaves with a clear care plan. Our practice uses high-resolution corneal topography and anterior segment OCT to evaluate the cornea's structure layer by layer. This precision is essential for lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy, where treatment decisions depend on accurate staging and documentation of changes over time. We develop individualized treatment plans that may include medicated drops, specialty lenses, or surgical referral when indicated.

About Coto de Caza

Exclusive guard-gated community with luxury amenities and equestrian facilities

Population: 15,000+

Affluent familiesExecutivesEquestriansPrivacy-seeking residents

Languages Spoken in Coto de Caza

Our practice serves the diverse Coto de Caza community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishFarsi

Eye Health Priorities for Coto de Caza

  • Pediatric eye exams and vision screening
  • Myopia control and management
  • Sports vision for young athletes
  • Digital eye strain from screens
  • Learning-related vision problems

Conveniently Located Near Coto de Caza Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Coto de Caza patients living near:

Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
Coto de Caza Tennis Club
Wagon Wheel

Getting to Our Office from Coto de Caza

Drive Time
30 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
19.1 mi

Coto de Caza 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

Coto de Caza Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Coto de Caza community

Zip codes: 92679

Why Coto de Caza Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy.

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 Coto de Caza

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Coto de Caza and surrounding communities.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. — Optometrist at EyeCare Center of Orange County specializing in keratoconus and scleral lenses
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. — California-licensed Optometrist with 35+ years of specialty contact lens practice. Graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry.

Your Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy Specialist in Coto de Caza

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy and complex eye conditions. A graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsIllinois College of Optometry
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Coto de Caza

See why your neighbors in Coto de Caza 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 Lagophthalmos and Exposure Keratopathy Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Coto de Caza and Orange County residents.

Call (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal