Sturge-Weber Syndrome Treatment in Surfside, California
Sturge-Weber Syndrome — At a Glance
Severity & Type
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment promptly. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
Key Symptoms
- Facial port-wine stain birthmark
- Glaucoma (often congenital or juvenile onset)
- Enlarged eye (buphthalmos) in infants
- Choroidal hemangioma
- Episcleral hemangioma (dilated vessels)
Treatment Options
- Early and aggressive glaucoma management
- Glaucoma surgery (goniotomy, trabeculotomy, tube shunts)
- Lifelong IOP monitoring
- Treatment of choroidal hemangioma if needed
- Laser or PDT for choroidal lesions
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), also called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a facial port-wine stain (nevus flammeus) in the V1 trigeminal distribution, leptomeningeal angioma, and ocular abnormalities. Up to 70% of patients with port-wine stains involving the upper eyelid develop glaucoma, which can be present at birth or develop later in childhood.
Surfside patients experiencing sturge-weber syndrome benefit from our 35+ years of diagnostic experience and advanced imaging capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.
Dr. Bonakdar on Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert sturge-weber syndrome 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 Sturge-Weber Syndrome?
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), also called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a facial port-wine stain (nevus flammeus) in the V1 trigeminal distribution, leptomeningeal angioma, and ocular abnormalities. Up to 70% of patients with port-wine stains involving the upper eyelid develop glaucoma, which can be present at birth or develop later in childhood.
How is Sturge-Weber Syndrome treated?
Treatment options include Early and aggressive glaucoma management, Glaucoma surgery (goniotomy, trabeculotomy, tube shunts), Lifelong IOP monitoring, Treatment of choroidal hemangioma if needed. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.
What are the symptoms of Sturge-Weber Syndrome?
Common symptoms include Facial port-wine stain birthmark, Glaucoma (often congenital or juvenile onset), Enlarged eye (buphthalmos) in infants, Choroidal hemangioma, Episcleral hemangioma (dilated vessels). If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.
What are the symptoms of Sturge-Weber Syndrome?
Surfside residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:
- Facial port-wine stain birthmark
- Glaucoma (often congenital or juvenile onset)
- Enlarged eye (buphthalmos) in infants
- Choroidal hemangioma
- Episcleral hemangioma (dilated vessels)
- Heterochromia (different colored iris)
- Visual field loss from glaucoma
How is Sturge-Weber Syndrome treated?
Treatment for Surfside patients is tailored to the specific type and severity of their condition. Options available at our practice include:
Sturge-Weber Syndrome FAQs for Surfside Patients
Common questions from Surfside patients about our eye care services
Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182
Sturge-Weber Syndrome Care for Surfside Residents
Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a systemic condition with important ocular manifestations that require specialized monitoring. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Surfside residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Patients from Surfside with sturge-weber syndrome benefit from our comprehensive approach: we screen for the specific ocular findings associated with this condition, document baseline and changes, and communicate findings to your managing physician. Regular surveillance helps detect treatable complications early.
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
Don't Delay Treatment for Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Without timely care, sturge-weber syndrome can lead to lasting visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for Surfside patients.
Why Surfside Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Child-Friendly Practice
Age-appropriate testing and a reassuring environment help Surfside's youngest patients feel comfortable during their exam.
Myopia & Amblyopia Treatment
Evidence-based treatment protocols for sturge-weber syndrome with regular follow-up to ensure progress.
School Vision Support
We communicate with schools and pediatricians about visual accommodations your child may need for academic success.
Family Scheduling
Schedule siblings and parents together to make eye care convenient for the whole family.

Your Sturge-Weber Syndrome Specialist in Surfside
Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating sturge-weber syndrome 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.
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 Sturge-Weber Syndrome Consultation
Expert diagnosis and treatment for Surfside and Orange County residents.