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Ocular Surface Disease·Silverado Canyon, Orange County

Neurotrophic Keratitis Treatment in Silverado Canyon, California

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

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.

Neurotrophic Keratitis can be influenced by Orange County's environmental factors—dry air, allergens, and UV exposure. Silverado Canyon residents experiencing corneal symptoms benefit from our specialized imaging and treatment capabilities.

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 Silverado Canyon 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?

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

  • 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?

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

Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
Cenegermin (Oxervate) — recombinant nerve growth factor
Amniotic Membrane Transplant
Autologous Serum Eye Drops
Tarsorrhaphy (partial eyelid closure)
Bandage Contact Lenses
Preservative-Free Artificial Tears

Neurotrophic Keratitis FAQs for Silverado Canyon Patients

Common questions from Silverado Canyon patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose neurotrophic keratitis using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. Silverado Canyon patients receive the same comprehensive diagnostic technology used at major academic eye centers, right here in Orange County.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for neurotrophic keratitis including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Dr. Bonakdar personalizes each Silverado Canyon patient's treatment plan based on condition severity, lifestyle demands, and long-term visual goals.
Call (949) 323-3600 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible from Silverado Canyon, with appointment times designed to fit your schedule.
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, and Medicare for neurotrophic keratitis 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

Neurotrophic Keratitis Care for Silverado Canyon Residents

Corneal conditions like neurotrophic keratitis require specialized diagnostic equipment and clinical experience. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Silverado Canyon residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. 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 Silverado Canyon

Rustic mountain community with mining history and outdoor culture

Population: 2,000+

Mountain residentsOutdoor enthusiastsNature loversArtists

Languages Spoken in Silverado Canyon

Our practice serves the diverse Silverado Canyon community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanish

Eye Health Priorities for Silverado Canyon

  • Comprehensive eye examinations
  • Contact lens fittings
  • Glasses and eyewear
  • Eye disease treatment
  • Emergency eye care

Conveniently Located Near Silverado Canyon Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Silverado Canyon patients living near:

Silverado Canyon Community Center
Black Star Canyon Falls
Cleveland National Forest
Silverado Creek

Getting to Our Office from Silverado Canyon

Drive Time
30 min
Primary Route
91 Freeway
Distance
14.5 mi

Silverado Canyon patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 91 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

Silverado Canyon Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Silverado Canyon proper

Zip codes: 92676

Why Silverado Canyon 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 Silverado Canyon

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Silverado Canyon 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 Neurotrophic Keratitis Specialist in Silverado Canyon

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.

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

Patient Stories from Silverado Canyon

See why your neighbors in Silverado Canyon 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 Neurotrophic Keratitis Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Silverado Canyon and Orange County residents.

Call (949) 323-3600

We don't take Medi-Cal