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John A. Hovanesian, MD
Cataract, Refractive, & Cornea Surgeon

John A. Hovanesian, MD

Orange County Ophthalmologist

Specializing in Cataracts, Refractive, Cornea, & Pterygium Surgery

Dr. John Hovanesian is an internationally recognized leader and innovator in cataract, corneal, and laser eye surgery. Newsweek has recognized him among the top 35 eye surgeons in the US–out of 17,000 eligible colleagues–based on a poll of his peers. The Ophthalmologist, a UK publication, has named him among the world’s 100 most influential people in eye care. A board-certified ophthalmologist and faculty member at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute, he has published two widely used eye surgery textbooks — one on the subject of refractive cataract surgery and one on pterygium surgery.

He has been invited to lecture to surgeons on six continents, authored dozens of peer-reviewed articles, and produced many frequently referenced surgical teaching videos. He is associate editor for the world’s most widely read eye care trade journal. His blog on Healio.com receives the highest readership among all writers in all medical specialties.

Dr. Hovanesian is a member of the prestigious International Intraocular Implant Club that includes the world’s 300 most respected cataract surgeons. He is a recipient of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Senior Achievement Award and has been named a Distinguished Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America for internationally recognized contributions to his professional field.

Dr. Hovanesian received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where he was selected to serve as chief resident. He also completed a two-year fellowship in refractive and corneal surgery at the Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. He joined Harvard Eye Associates in 1999.

Dr. Hovanesian has made dozens of volunteer surgical trips to third world countries, including Armenia, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Fiji and is a founding board member of the Armenian Eye Care Project. He has also spent over 25 years volunteering as a board member, board chairman, and as an adult leader for the Boy Scouts of America, which has presented him with numerous service awards.

Dr. Hovanesian lives in Laguna Beach with his wife and their three children. He enjoys spending the weekends with his family, volunteering at their church in Costa Mesa, and flying airplanes for a hobby as a commercial-rated pilot.

Images of Dr. Hovanesian’s two eye surgery textbooks — one on the subject of refractive cataract surgery and one on pterygium surgery. Click on the images below to learn more.

Surgeon Expertise



John A. Hovanesian, MD Significant Research References

 Hovanesian, JA (editor), Pterygium, Techniques and Technologies for Surgical Success, Slack, Inc., 2012

 Hovanesian, JA (editor), Refractive Cataract Surgery, an Introduction and Step-by-Step Guide, Slack, Inc., 2016 (2nd edition)

Keysder A, Chang DF, Thiel C, Hovanesian JA. Analysis of intraocular lens packaging weight and waste. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2024 Dec 1;50(12):1270-1274.

Hovanesian JA, Bauskar A, Vantipalli S, Ozden RG, Goldstein MH. Identifying and addressing common contributors to nonadherence with ophthalmic medical therapy. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2023 Mar 1;34(Suppl 1):S1-S13. This review article explores past literature on causes and influential factors in patient nonadherence to medical therapy and suggests potential roles for sustained drug delivery products to increase adherence.

Hovanesian JA. The THINK Study: Testing Hypoesthesia and the Incidence of Neurotrophic Keratopathy in Cataract Patients with Dry Eye. Clin Ophthalmol. 2024 Dec 6;18:3627-3633. This original research demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of corneal desensitization in the dry eye population than previously recognized and contributed to a shift in understanding these common diseases as being linked in many patients.

Whitcup SM, Sall KN, Hovanesian JA, Goldberg DF, Lee OL, Yang R, Ni J. A phase IIa multicenter, randomized, vehicle-controlled, dose-escalating study to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of CBT-001 ophthalmic solution in patients with primary or recurrent pterygium. Ophthalmol Sci. 2024 Mar 4;4(4):100502.

Abraham AP, Brooks G, Dadas C, Hovanesian JA, Lee J, Ni J, Whitcup S. Prevalence of pterygium in the United States: a claims-based analysis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2023;64(8):1173-1173.

Fram NR, Hovanesian JA, Narang P, Narang R, Moloney G, Lin DT, Zaldivar R. Radial keratotomy and cataract surgery: a quest for emmetropia. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2023 Aug 1;49(8):898-899.

Jones M, Hovanesian JA, Keyser A. Accuracy of the LaserArcs femtosecond cataract surgery arcuate incision nomogram in patients undergoing cataract surgery and astigmatism reduction. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023 Feb 27;17:681-689.

Hovanesian JA, Chester T, Sorenson RC. A prospective study of cyclosporine A 0.1% combined with loteprednol 0.2% vs cyclosporine A 0.05% alone in the treatment of dry eye. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023 Aug 2;17:2181-2191.

Hovanesian JA, Donnenfeld ED. A randomized, prospective clinical study evaluating dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% vs prednisolone acetate 1% in controlling postoperative pain and inflammation in patients undergoing bilateral sequential cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Aug 1;48(8):906-911.

Hovanesian JA, Keyser A, Berdy G, Sorensen R. The DEPOT study (dry eye prescription options for therapy): assessing the efficacy and safety of OTX-DED (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert 0.3 mg) for intracanalicular use compared with loteprednol suspension for the treatment of episodic dry eye. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022 Nov 21;16:3841-3849.

Lindstrom RL, Lewis AE, Holland EJ, Sheppard JD, Hovanesian JA, Senchyna M, Hollander DA. Phase 2, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study of two dosing regimens of netarsudil for the treatment of corneal edema due to Fuchs corneal dystrophy. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2022 Dec;38(10):657-663.

Hovanesian JA, Donnenfeld ED. Intracameral dexamethasone 9% vs prednisolone acetate 1% in controlling postoperative pain and inflammation in patients undergoing cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 Aug 1;48(8):906-911.

Masitas C, Peng Z, Wang M, Konai MM, Avila-Cobian LF, Lemieux L, Hovanesian J, Grady JE, Mobashery S, Chang M. Matrix metalloproteinase-14 as an instigator of fibrosis in human pterygium and its pharmacological intervention. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2022;5(8):555-561.

Donaldson K, Parkhurst G, Saenz B, Whitley W, Williamson B, Hovanesian JA. Call to action: treating dry eye disease and setting the foundation for successful surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022 May 1;48(5):623-629.

Gupta PK, Holland EJ, Hovanesian J, Loh J, Jackson MA, Karpecki PM, Dhamdhere K. TearCare for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction in adult patients with dry eye disease: a masked randomized controlled trial. Cornea. 2022 Apr 1;41(4):417-426.

Hovanesian JA, Jones M, Allen Q. The Vivity extended range of vision IOL vs the PanOptix trifocal, ReSTOR 2.5 active focus and ReSTOR 3.0 multifocal lenses: a comparison of patient satisfaction, visual disturbances, and spectacle independence. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022 Jan 18;16:145-152.

Hovanesian JA, Nichols KK, Jackson M, Katz J, Chan A, Glassberg MB, Syntosi A. Real-world experience with lifitegrast ophthalmic solution (Xiidra) in the US and Canada: retrospective study of patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical effectiveness in 600 patients with dry eye disease. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar 8;15:1041-1054.

Matossian C, Hovanesian JA, Bacharach J, Paggiarino D, Patel K. Impact of dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% on intraocular pressure after routine cataract surgery: post hoc analysis. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2021;47(1):53-64.

Nichols KK, Donnenfeld ED, Lau C, Syntosi A, Karpecki P, Hovanesian JA. Reduction of artificial tears and use of adjunctive dry eye therapies after lifitegrast treatment: evidence from clinical and real-world studies. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar 25;16:909-916.

Gujral T, Hovanesian JA. Cataract surgical planning using online software vs traditional methods: a time/motion and quality of care study. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021 Jul 28;15:3197-3203.

Hovanesian JA, Berdy GJ, Epitropoulos A, Holladay JT. Effect of cyclosporine 0.09% treatment on accuracy of preoperative biometry and higher-order aberrations in dry eye patients undergoing cataract surgery. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021 Sep 1;15:3679-3686.

Hovanesian JA. Comparison of preoperative measurements with intraoperative aberrometry in predicting need for correction in eyes with low astigmatism undergoing cataract surgery. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021 May 26;15:2189-2196.

Hovanesian JA, Allen QB, Jones M. The PanOptix trifocal IOL: a study of patient satisfaction, visual disturbances, and uncorrected visual performance. Presented at the 2020 ASCRS Annual Meeting.

Matossian C, Hovanesian JA, Paggiarino D, Patel K. Impact of dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% on intraocular pressure following routine cataract surgery: post hoc analysis. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2020.

Shusko A, Schecter BA, Hovanesian JA. Pterygium surgery utilizing limbal conjunctival autograft and subconjunctival amniotic membrane graft in high-risk populations. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020 Jul 23;14:2087-2090.

Hovanesian JA, Epitropoulos A, Donnenfeld ED, Holladay JT. The effect of lifitegrast on refractive accuracy and symptoms in dry eye patients undergoing cataract surgery. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:2709-2716.

Lindstrom R, Sarkisian S, Lewis R, Hovanesian JA, et al. Four-year outcomes of two second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents in patients with open-angle glaucoma on one medication. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:71-80.

Tauber J, Owen J, Bloomenstein M, Hovanesian JA, et al. Comparison of the iLUX and the LipiFlow for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction and symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:405-418.

Hovanesian JA, Holland E. Tolerability and toxicity of topically applied nepafenac 0.3% compared with generic ketorolac 0.5%. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2019;45(2):174-180.

Nichols KK, Donnenfeld ED, Karpecki PM, Hovanesian JA, et al. Safety and tolerability of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 0.5%: pooled analysis of five randomized controlled trials in dry eye disease. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2019;29(4):394-401.

Hovanesian JA. Patient-reported outcomes of multifocal and accommodating intraocular lenses: analysis of 117 patients 2–10 years after surgery. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018 Nov 12;12:2297-2304.

Hovanesian JA, et al. Surgical techniques and adjuvants for management of primary and recurrent pterygia. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2017;43(3):405-419.

Shusko A, Hovanesian JA. Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft and subconjunctival amniotic membrane as antirecurrence agents. Can J Ophthalmol. 2016 Dec;51(6):412-416.

Lindstrom R, Lewis R, Hornbeak DM, Voskanyan L, Giamporcaro JE, Hovanesian JA, et al. Outcomes following implantation of two second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents in patients with open-angle glaucoma on one medication: 18-month follow-up. Adv Ther. 2016;33(11):2082-2090.

Whitman J, Hovanesian JA, Steinert RF, Koch D, Potvin R. Through-focus performance with a corneal shape-changing inlay: one-year results. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2016;42(7):965-971.

Whitman J, Dougherty PJ, Parkhurst GD, Olkowski J, Slade SG, Hovanesian JA, et al. Treatment of presbyopia in emmetropes using a shape-changing corneal inlay: one-year clinical outcomes. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(3):466-475.

Hovanesian JA, et al. Intracameral phenylephrine and ketorolac during cataract surgery to maintain intraoperative mydriasis and reduce postoperative ocular pain: integrated results from two pivotal phase 3 studies. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2015;41:2060-2068.

Sheppard JD, Mansur A, Comstock T, Hovanesian JA. An update on the surgical management of pterygium and the role of loteprednol etabonate ointment. Clin Ophthalmol. 2014 Jun 13;8:1105-1118.

Pepose JS, Hayashida J, Hovanesian JA, et al. Safety and effectiveness of a new toric presbyopia-correcting posterior chamber silicone intraocular lens. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2015;41:295-305.

Masket S, Hovanesian JA, et al. Hydrogel sealant versus sutures to prevent fluid egress after cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014;40:2057-2066.

Mah FS, Davidson R, Holland EJ, Hovanesian JA, et al. Current knowledge about and recommendations for ocular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014;40:1894-1908.

Masket S, Hovanesian JA, Raizman MB, Wee D, Fram N. Use of a calibrated force gauge in clear corneal cataract surgery to quantify point-pressure manipulation. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2013;39:511-518.

Hovanesian JA. Cataract wound closure with a polymerizing liquid hydrogel ocular bandage. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2009 May;35(5):912-916.

Hovanesian JA, Karageozian VH. Watertight cataract incision closure using fibrin tissue adhesive. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2007;33:1461-1463.

Hovanesian JA, Maloney RK. Treating astigmatism after a free LASIK cap by rotating the cap. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2005;31:1870-1876.

Van Horn SD, Hovanesian JD, Hovanesian JA. A tomographic technique for determining contact stress. Exp Tech. 1995 Jul–Aug.

Van Horn SD, Hovanesian JA, Maloney RK. Effect of volatile compounds on excimer laser power delivery. J Refract Surg. 2002 Sep–Oct;18(5):524-528.

Hovanesian JA, Shah SS, Maloney RK. Symptoms of dry eye and recurrent erosion syndrome after refractive surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2001;27:577-584.

Hovanesian JA, Shah SS, Onclinx T, Maloney RK. Quantitative topographic irregularity as a predictor of spectacle-corrected visual acuity after refractive surgery. Am J Ophthalmol. 2000;129(6):752-758.

Hovanesian JA, Faktorovich EG, Hoffbauer JD, Shah SS, Maloney RK. Bilateral bacterial keratitis after LASIK in a patient with HIV infection. Arch Ophthalmol. 1999;117:968-970.

Witte MM, Hovanesian JD, Hovanesian JA. A tomographic technique for determining contact stress. Exp Tech. 1995 Jul–Aug.

Hovanesian JA, Higginbotham EJ, Lichter PR. Long-term visual outcome of ocular hypotension after thermosclerostomy. Am J Ophthalmol. 1993;115:603-607.

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