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Oculoplastics·Costa Mesa, Orange County

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) Treatment in Costa Mesa, California

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

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or Graves' orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition affecting the muscles and tissues around the eyes. It commonly occurs with hyperthyroidism but can develop even when thyroid levels are normal. The inflammation causes the eye muscles and fat to swell, leading to bulging eyes, double vision, and in severe cases, vision-threatening optic nerve compression.

Costa Mesa's screen-intensive work culture can influence how thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) symptoms are experienced throughout the day. We factor your digital lifestyle into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Dr. Bonakdar on Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) 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 Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)?

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy or Graves' orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition affecting the muscles and tissues around the eyes. It commonly occurs with hyperthyroidism but can develop even when thyroid levels are normal. The inflammation causes the eye muscles and fat to swell, leading to bulging eyes, double vision, and in severe cases, vision-threatening optic nerve compression.

How is Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) treated?

Treatment options include Selenium supplementation, Lubricating eye drops and gels, Prism glasses for double vision, Orbital decompression surgery. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)?

Common symptoms include Bulging eyes (proptosis/exophthalmos), Eyelid retraction showing white above or below iris, Double vision (diplopia), Dry, gritty, irritated eyes, Eye redness and swelling. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)?

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

  • Bulging eyes (proptosis/exophthalmos)
  • Eyelid retraction showing white above or below iris
  • Double vision (diplopia)
  • Dry, gritty, irritated eyes
  • Eye redness and swelling
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty closing eyes completely

How is Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) 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:

Selenium supplementation
Lubricating eye drops and gels
Prism glasses for double vision
Orbital decompression surgery
Eyelid surgery for retraction
Strabismus surgery for double vision
Teprotumumab (Tepezza) infusion therapy

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) FAQs for Costa Mesa Patients

Common questions from Costa Mesa patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) 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 thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) 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 thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) Care for Costa Mesa Residents

Costa Mesa patients seeking care for thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Many Costa Mesa residents work in screen-intensive professions, so we factor digital lifestyle demands into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations. We provide thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs. Whether your condition requires ongoing monitoring, medical therapy, or surgical co-management, our practice ensures continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.

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

Don't Delay Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)

Without timely care, thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) can lead to lasting visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for Costa Mesa patients.

Why Costa Mesa Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy).

Advanced Diagnostics

OCT imaging, corneal topography, visual field testing, and retinal photography for precise diagnosis.

Insurance Accepted

VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major vision and medical insurance plans.

Convenient for Costa Mesa

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Costa Mesa and surrounding communities.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy) Specialist in Costa Mesa

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating thyroid eye disease (graves' ophthalmopathy) 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

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