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Pediatric Ophthalmology·Westminster, Orange County

Sturge-Weber Syndrome Treatment in Westminster, California

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

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.

In Westminster's diverse community, we provide accessible, thorough evaluation of sturge-weber syndrome with sensitivity to cultural preferences and clear communication in multiple languages.

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 Westminster 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?

Westminster residents balancing busy schedules should not ignore persistent symptoms. Early evaluation leads to more effective treatment:

  • 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?

We provide Westminster patients with effective treatments that work within their schedule and budget, with insurance coordination and flexible payment 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
Amblyopia treatment if present
Coordination with neurology for seizure management

Sturge-Weber Syndrome FAQs for Westminster Patients

Common questions from Westminster patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose sturge-weber syndrome using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. We serve Westminster's diverse community with multilingual support and extended hours to make diagnostic evaluations accessible for all patients.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for sturge-weber syndrome including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. We offer Westminster patients flexible treatment options with insurance coordination and payment plans to make care accessible regardless of budget.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Our office is accessible for Westminster residents via major roads and public transit, with evening and Saturday hours available for working patients.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for sturge-weber syndrome diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Sturge-Weber Syndrome Care for Westminster Residents

Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a systemic condition with important ocular manifestations that require specialized monitoring. Our practice is committed to serving Westminster's diverse community with accessible, high-quality care and multilingual support. Patients from Westminster 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 Westminster

Heart of Little Saigon, the largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam

Population: 90,000+

Vietnamese familiesSmall business ownersImmigrantsCultural preservationEntrepreneurial community

Languages Spoken in Westminster

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

VietnameseEnglishSpanishCantoneseMandarin

Eye Health Priorities for Westminster

  • Affordable comprehensive eye exams
  • Wide insurance acceptance
  • Bilingual services available
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Community health screenings

Conveniently Located Near Westminster Landmarks

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

Little Saigon
Asian Garden Mall (Phuoc Loc Tho)
Vietnam War Memorial
Westminster Mall
Bolsa Grande High School

Getting to Our Office from Westminster

Drive Time
20 min
Primary Route
22 Freeway
Distance
7.4 mi

Westminster patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 22 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

Westminster Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Little Saigon
  • Midway City
  • Barber City

Zip codes: 92683

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 Westminster patients.

Why Westminster Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Child-Friendly Practice

Age-appropriate testing and a reassuring environment help Westminster'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.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Sturge-Weber Syndrome Specialist in Westminster

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.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsBascom Palmer
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Westminster

See why your neighbors in Westminster 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 Sturge-Weber Syndrome Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Westminster and Orange County residents.