Neurotrophic Keratitis Treatment in Santa Ana, California
Neurotrophic Keratitis — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience persistent symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Persistent corneal epithelial defect that does not heal
- Reduced or absent corneal sensation
- Red eye with minimal pain (paradoxically)
- Blurred vision
- History of herpes eye infection, diabetes, or neurological surgery
Treatment Options
- Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
- Cenegermin (Oxervate) — recombinant nerve growth factor
- Amniotic Membrane Transplant
- Autologous Serum Eye Drops
- Tarsorrhaphy (partial eyelid closure)
Neurotrophic keratitis is a degenerative corneal disease caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which provides sensory innervation to the cornea. Without normal nerve function, the cornea loses its ability to heal and maintain itself, leading to persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulceration, and potential perforation — often with minimal pain because the cornea has reduced sensation. Common causes include herpes simplex or zoster keratitis, diabetes, acoustic neuroma surgery, and trigeminal neuralgia procedures. Scleral lenses protect the corneal surface and promote healing by maintaining constant hydration.
Santa Ana's urban air quality, combined with air conditioning in homes and workplaces, can exacerbate neurotrophic keratitis. We evaluate both the corneal condition and the environmental factors affecting your recovery.
Dr. Bonakdar on Neurotrophic Keratitis
Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert neurotrophic keratitis diagnosis and treatment for patients in Santa Ana 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 Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Neurotrophic keratitis is a degenerative corneal disease caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which provides sensory innervation to the cornea. Without normal nerve function, the cornea loses its ability to heal and maintain itself, leading to persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulceration, and potential perforation — often with minimal pain because the cornea has reduced sensation. Common causes include herpes simplex or zoster keratitis, diabetes, acoustic neuroma surgery, and trigeminal neuralgia procedures. Scleral lenses protect the corneal surface and promote healing by maintaining constant hydration.
How is Neurotrophic Keratitis treated?
Treatment options include Scleral Contact Lens Fitting, Cenegermin (Oxervate) — recombinant nerve growth factor, Amniotic Membrane Transplant, Autologous Serum Eye Drops. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.
What are the symptoms of Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Common symptoms include Persistent corneal epithelial defect that does not heal, Reduced or absent corneal sensation, Red eye with minimal pain (paradoxically), Blurred vision, History of herpes eye infection, diabetes, or neurological surgery. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.
What are the symptoms of Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Santa Ana residents balancing busy schedules should not ignore persistent symptoms. Early evaluation leads to more effective treatment:
- Persistent corneal epithelial defect that does not heal
- Reduced or absent corneal sensation
- Red eye with minimal pain (paradoxically)
- Blurred vision
- History of herpes eye infection, diabetes, or neurological surgery
- Corneal thinning or ulceration
How is Neurotrophic Keratitis treated?
We provide Santa Ana patients with effective treatments that work within their schedule and budget, with insurance coordination and flexible payment options:
Neurotrophic Keratitis FAQs for Santa Ana Patients
Common questions from Santa Ana patients about our eye care services
Have more questions? Call us at (949) 323-3600
We don't take Medi-Cal
Neurotrophic Keratitis Care for Santa Ana Residents
Corneal conditions like neurotrophic keratitis require specialized diagnostic equipment and clinical experience. Our practice is committed to serving Santa Ana's diverse community with accessible, high-quality care and multilingual support. 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 neurotrophic keratitis, 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 Santa Ana
County seat with vibrant Hispanic community and cultural heritage
Population: 310,000+
Languages Spoken in Santa Ana
Our practice serves the diverse Santa Ana community. We provide care to patients who speak:
Eye Health Priorities for Santa Ana
- Affordable comprehensive eye exams
- Wide insurance acceptance
- Bilingual services available
- Flexible scheduling options
- Community health screenings
Conveniently Located Near Santa Ana Landmarks
Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Santa Ana patients living near:
Getting to Our Office from Santa Ana
Our office at 801 N Tustin Ave is right in Santa Ana — no freeway needed. On-site parking is available in the building.
801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get DirectionsSanta Ana Neighborhoods We Serve
- Downtown Santa Ana
- French Park
- Delhi
- Artesia Pilar
- Madison Park
Zip codes: 92701, 92703, 92704, 92705, 92706, 92707, 92728
Why Santa Ana Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Neurotrophic Keratitis
35+ Years of Experience
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating neurotrophic keratitis.
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 Santa Ana
Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Santa Ana and surrounding communities.
Your Neurotrophic Keratitis Specialist in Santa Ana
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a California-licensed Optometrist (O.D.) with over 35 years of experience treating neurotrophic keratitis 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 Santa Ana
See why your neighbors in Santa Ana 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 Neurotrophic Keratitis Consultation
Expert diagnosis and treatment for Santa Ana and Orange County residents.