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Retina·Long Beach, Los Angeles County

Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Treatment in Long Beach, California

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

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene, predisposing patients to various benign and malignant tumors. Retinal capillary hemangioblastomas are often the earliest manifestation, appearing in adolescence or early adulthood. These vascular tumors can cause exudative retinal detachment, macular edema, and severe vision loss if untreated.

Long Beach patients experiencing von hippel-lindau syndrome benefit from our 35+ years of diagnostic experience and advanced imaging capabilities, ensuring accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Bonakdar on Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert von hippel-lindau syndrome diagnosis and treatment for patients in Long Beach 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 Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome?

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene, predisposing patients to various benign and malignant tumors. Retinal capillary hemangioblastomas are often the earliest manifestation, appearing in adolescence or early adulthood. These vascular tumors can cause exudative retinal detachment, macular edema, and severe vision loss if untreated.

How is Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome treated?

Treatment options include Regular dilated eye examinations (annual or more frequent), Laser photocoagulation for small tumors, Cryotherapy for peripheral lesions, Anti-VEGF injections for macular edema. The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome?

Common symptoms include Retinal hemangioblastomas (red vascular tumors), Decreased vision from macular edema or detachment, Dilated feeder vessels visible on exam, Exudative retinal detachment, Vitreous hemorrhage. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome?

Long Beach residents experiencing any combination of the following symptoms should schedule a comprehensive evaluation:

  • Retinal hemangioblastomas (red vascular tumors)
  • Decreased vision from macular edema or detachment
  • Dilated feeder vessels visible on exam
  • Exudative retinal detachment
  • Vitreous hemorrhage
  • May be asymptomatic initially
  • Often multiple and bilateral tumors

How is Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome treated?

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

Regular dilated eye examinations (annual or more frequent)
Laser photocoagulation for small tumors
Cryotherapy for peripheral lesions
Anti-VEGF injections for macular edema
Photodynamic therapy
Vitrectomy for large tumors or complications
Genetic testing and family screening

Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome FAQs for Long Beach Patients

Common questions from Long Beach patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose von hippel-lindau syndrome using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. Long Beach patients receive the same comprehensive diagnostic technology used at major academic eye centers, right here in Orange County.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for von hippel-lindau syndrome including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Dr. Bonakdar personalizes each Long Beach patient's treatment plan based on condition severity, lifestyle demands, and long-term visual goals.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible from Long Beach, with appointment times designed to fit your schedule.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for von hippel-lindau syndrome diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

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

Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Care for Long Beach Residents

Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome is a systemic condition with important ocular manifestations that require specialized monitoring. Our centrally located Orange County practice is easily accessible for Long Beach residents, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Patients from Long Beach with von hippel-lindau 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 Long Beach

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Population: 450,000+

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Languages Spoken in Long Beach

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

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Eye Health Priorities for Long Beach

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

Conveniently Located Near Long Beach Landmarks

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

Queen Mary
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach Convention Center
Cal State Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach
Long Beach Airport

Getting to Our Office from Long Beach

Drive Time
30 min
Primary Route
22 Freeway
Distance
18.9 mi

Long Beach patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 22 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

Long Beach Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Belmont Shore
  • Bixby Knolls
  • Naples
  • El Dorado Park
  • Downtown Long Beach
  • Alamitos Beach

Zip codes: 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90807, 90808, 90810, 90813, 90814, 90815

Don't Delay Treatment for Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

Without timely care, von hippel-lindau syndrome can lead to lasting visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for Long Beach patients.

Why Long Beach Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

Retinal Imaging Technology

Widefield retinal photography and OCT scanning detect von hippel-lindau syndrome 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 Long Beach patients need retinal intervention, we coordinate seamlessly with fellowship-trained retinal surgeons.

Ongoing Monitoring

Structured follow-up schedules ensure von hippel-lindau syndrome progression is tracked and treatment adjusted as needed.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Specialist in Long Beach

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating von hippel-lindau 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 →

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