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Retina·Costa Mesa, Orange County

Solar Retinopathy Treatment in Costa Mesa, California

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

Damage to the retina, particularly the macula, from looking directly at the sun (sun gazing). This photochemical damage can cause a permanent small blind spot in the central vision.

Although screen use doesn't directly cause most retinal conditions, Costa Mesa tech workers with high myopia—common in near-work-intensive careers—face elevated risk for solar retinopathy and should have regular retinal monitoring.

Dr. Bonakdar on Solar Retinopathy

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert solar retinopathy diagnosis and treatment for patients in Costa Mesa 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 Solar Retinopathy?

Damage to the retina, particularly the macula, from looking directly at the sun (sun gazing). This photochemical damage can cause a permanent small blind spot in the central vision.

How is Solar Retinopathy treated?

Treatment options include There is no treatment to reverse the damage., Vision may improve slightly over several months, but some degree of a permanent blind spot is common., Prevention by never looking directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse, is key.. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Solar Retinopathy?

Common symptoms include Blurred central vision, A central or paracentral blind spot (scotoma), Distorted vision (metamorphopsia), Symptoms usually appear a few hours after sun exposure. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Solar Retinopathy?

Costa Mesa professionals working at screens may first notice symptoms during extended computer use or at the end of a long workday:

  • Blurred central vision
  • A central or paracentral blind spot (scotoma)
  • Distorted vision (metamorphopsia)
  • Symptoms usually appear a few hours after sun exposure

How is Solar Retinopathy treated?

For Costa Mesa's digital professionals, we prioritize treatments compatible with extended screen use and offer strategies to optimize visual comfort during work hours:

There is no treatment to reverse the damage.
Vision may improve slightly over several months, but some degree of a permanent blind spot is common.
Prevention by never looking directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse, is key.

Solar Retinopathy FAQs for Costa Mesa Patients

Common questions from Costa Mesa patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose solar retinopathy using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Costa Mesa's tech professionals, we assess how digital device usage and work environment may be contributing to or masking symptoms during your diagnostic evaluation.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for solar retinopathy including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Costa Mesa tech workers benefit from treatments optimized for screen use—we recommend solutions that maintain visual clarity through long hours of near work.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Costa Mesa professionals can schedule around work—we offer lunch-hour and late-afternoon appointments with minimal wait times.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for solar retinopathy diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Solar Retinopathy Care for Costa Mesa Residents

Solar Retinopathy demands prompt, expert evaluation—the retina cannot regenerate, so early intervention is critical. Many Costa Mesa residents work in screen-intensive professions, so we factor digital lifestyle demands into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Dr. Bonakdar uses widefield retinal imaging and OCT scanning to detect and monitor retinal pathology with high sensitivity. For Costa Mesa patients with solar retinopathy, we provide thorough diagnostic workups and coordinate with retinal surgeons when intervention is needed, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

About Costa Mesa

Diverse arts and shopping district community

Population: 113,000+

Young professionalsArtistsDiverse communityRetail workers

Languages Spoken in Costa Mesa

Our practice serves the diverse Costa Mesa community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Costa Mesa

  • Computer vision syndrome treatment
  • Digital eye strain solutions
  • Blue light protection
  • Dry eye from reduced blinking
  • Ergonomic vision consultations

Conveniently Located Near Costa Mesa Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Costa Mesa patients living near:

South Coast Plaza
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Orange County Fairgrounds
Triangle Square

Getting to Our Office from Costa Mesa

Drive Time
20 min
Primary Route
55 Freeway
Distance
7.9 mi

Costa Mesa patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 55 Freeway in approximately 20 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

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

Costa Mesa Neighborhoods We Serve

  • South Coast Metro
  • Mesa Verde
  • Eastside Costa Mesa
  • Westside Costa Mesa

Zip codes: 92626, 92627, 92628

Why Costa Mesa Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Solar Retinopathy

Retinal Imaging Technology

Widefield retinal photography and OCT scanning detect solar retinopathy changes that may not be visible during standard examination.

Early Detection Focus

Retinal conditions are often treatable when caught early—our comprehensive exams screen for pathology before symptoms appear.

Retinal Specialist Network

When Costa Mesa patients need retinal intervention, we coordinate seamlessly with fellowship-trained retinal surgeons.

Ongoing Monitoring

Structured follow-up schedules ensure solar retinopathy progression is tracked and treatment adjusted as needed.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Solar Retinopathy Specialist in Costa Mesa

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating solar retinopathy 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 Costa Mesa

See why your neighbors in Costa Mesa 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 Solar Retinopathy Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Costa Mesa and Orange County residents.