Keratoconjunctivitis sicca Archives

Contact Lens Eye Care: The way it should be

Contact Lens Eye Care: The way it should be

When it comes to contact lens eye care, there are a lot of different options out there. But when you want the highest quality, most meticulous contact lens eye care in Maryland, you have to see Drs. Thomas and Irwin Azman at Azman Eye Care Specialists.

Founded in 1975 by the two brothers as a specialty practice limited to contact lens care, Azman Eye Care Specialists has since been recognized both nationally and internationally for excellence not just in the contact lens field, but also in dry eye care.

Azman Eye Care has the expertise and specialized equipment to focus on contact lens eye care problems that other offices can’t address: helping dry-eye patients, treating patients who have trouble wearing contact lenses, need bifocal lenses or those who have been told they can’t wear contact lenses. The Azman Eye Care practice maintains all the latest diagnostic equipment available. They have the latest instruments that can be found in only a few places in the country, including a wavefront topographer, which can detect slight irregularities of the cornea. The practice is also continually involved in FDA studies involving contact lenses, contact lens solutions, dry eye diagnosis and treatment. All of their specialized testing offers the highest quality contact lens eye care to each and every patient.

Many contact lens wearers and eye doctors believe that dry eyes are a normal part of wearing contact lenses and that nothing can be done about the problem. Symptoms like eye fatigue, red eyes, and slightly blurred vision are all symptoms that can be addressed. The problem is that many offices do not have the knowledge and experience to manage and treat these critical symptoms. That’s why patients come from Texas, Florida, Oregon, Colorado, New York, New Jersey and other states for the expert contact lens care that they can’t find anywhere else.
The Azman Eye Care team of doctors, technicians and staff work together to offer the most meticulous and personalized contact lens eye care available.

Doctors listen carefully to patients and develop treatment plans for each person and situation. “The most common complaint we get from people about doctors they have seen in the past is about the quality of the examination,” says Dr. Thomas Azman. “A meticulous, comprehensive contact lens eye examination is essential,” he says. “Not an eye-glass exam, but one specifically for contact lenses.” Dr. Irwin Azman continues, “Most eye doctors see about 3,000 patients a year, and because of that they have less time to do a thorough review of a patient’s medical records and history. As a result, they don’t always have a complete picture of the patient’s contact lens and eye-care background.” In contrast, the doctors at Azman Eye Care limit their patient load to 1,200 patients per year, allowing them to gather all the facts pertinent to each patient’s visual and contact lens requirements.

The doctors at Azman Eye Care ask about symptoms that many people live with, thinking they are normal. They take the time to listen to their patients’ needs and symptoms, and then discuss and explain all the contact lens treatment options available. Many doctors also limit the type of lenses that they fit to patients. Azman Eye Care Specialists are different. They prescribe the best contact lens for the individual’s visual needs. As a result, their patients are comfortable and have crisp and clear vision all wearing hours.

The differences between Azman Eye Care team and other seemingly similar practices are clear. Azman Eye Care has the state-of-the-art diagnostic instruments necessary to help their patients, but use them with customized care, knowledge and compassion. The doctors at Azman Eye Care form a relationship with their patients, and that is a rarity today. They have received hundreds of testimonials from patients expressing their gratitude for resolving problems that other doctors could not. Dr. Thomas Azman says, “I am most proud that each and every patient leaves my office with the understanding that they know we care about their eyes and their well-being.” That’s a level of commitment and service you won’t often find in today’s other offices.

Dry Eye: Itchy, Burning, Scratchy Eyes

It really is amazing how much Dr Azman has taught me about my eyes. I have been dealing with so many issues of dry eye, I was sure I was just one of the few percentiles that nothing can be done for!

At first it didn’t seem like some of the changes made much of a difference, but the way you, Dr Azman had me do things in steps, I was able to feel the extreme change once the “changes” stopped working, or wore off.

The most amazing was when the trial punctal plugs were put in. At first, it was just a strange feeling, my eyeballs felt as though they were floating! After awhile, my body adjusted and it didn’t seem as fascinating as I first thought. However, when those little things dissolved I felt that fire once again! I knew it the day it happened. My blinking started to take longer and the burning sensation came back every time I closed my eyes. It was just awful! Even at night, once again my eyeballs felt as though they were sticking to my eyelids! I knew then, that the plugs really made an enormous difference in my life!

I couldn’t believe I had put up with the burning and the sticking for 12 years!

Working with you, Dr Azman really made me pay attention to the way I treated my eyes. I thought I took great care of them. Being so sensitive to certain contact lens solutions and eye drops, I was so careful!

Without you, Dr Azman and the help of your wonderful staff, I would still be struggling with sleeping and making it through an entire 8 hour day without getting headaches!

I appreciate everything you and your staff have done for me and for being patient with me. We worked at this for awhile, but it was well worth it!

I would do it again in a heartbeat! THANK YOU!

-Wendy Z. Baltimore, Maryland

Dry Eye Relief: From New Jersey to Maryland

Dear Dr. Irwin Azman;

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help. When I visited your office in April, I was particularly impressed with your state of the art equipment and for the care and concern you showed me. Since I was from New Jersey, you went out of your way to see me on the weekend (twice on Sunday). You made me feel special and more like a friend than a patient. Your follow-up telephone calls really meant a lot to me. Your recommendations for treatment of my dry eye problems are working; I highly recommend that anyone with eye problems seek you out.

-Carol K. Secaucus, New Jersey

The early days of PRK, LASIK and Laser Vision Correction.

The primary reason that I would recommend someone to Azman Eye Care is because I believe that both Dr. Thomas Azman and Dr. Irwin Azman always have the patient‘s best interest at heart. Although they are often busy with their daily schedules, they always take the time to fully explain their diagnosis together with the corresponding options that are available.

In my particular case, rather than rush into LASIK laser surgery, Dr Azman was willing to wait until I was completely ready and had spent several months experimenting with contact lenses to determine my optimum binocular vision. When I was ready (late ‘90s), Dr Azman suggested that I have the surgery in Canada because the technology there was not yet available in the U.S. And, Dr. Tom personally escorted me on the trip to provide both pre and post-operative care. Now, that’s what I call customer service!

In another case, a friend of mine had received consultation from another laser surgery provider and was ready to have surgery. Because she had a history of vision difficulties, I suggested that she visit Dr Tom Azman at Azman Eye Care to receive a second opinion prior to having surgery. As a result, she learned that she had dry eye syndrome, and was advised not to proceed with the surgery. Today, she is grateful that she reconsidered her original decision.

I think the best compliment that I can give to both Dr. Tom Azman and Dr. Irwin Azman is that they are men of integrity; and as a patient, you can feel confident trusting them with the care of your eyes.

-Bob W. Timonium, Maryland

A Dry Eye Christmas Miracle!

The following explains my complete satisfaction with the Azman Dry Eye Center.

The past several years I noticed a significant change in my ability to see clearly, plus my eyes were always very irritated. I went to Lens Crafters first. They changed my eyeglass prescription, but I still could not see clearly. The following year, since I was now in my 50’s, I decided to bypass the “storefront” eyeglass establishment and see someone more professional. I went to an Eye Group, hoping for a more thorough exam and evaluation. After giving me the standard tests, the doctor wrote a new eyeglass prescription. He also mentioned that I had a birthmark in back of my eye, but did not elaborate on it or recommend further tests. I noted that the doctor seemed distracted and showed no sincere interest in me as a patient. His answers to my

christmas tree (Photo credit: peminumkopi)

questions were short, and he offered very little explanation to my eye irritation. I had glasses made from the new prescription that he gave me, but I was still experiencing blurry, irritated eyes.

Through my new insurance plan, Eye Care Plan of America (ECPA), I selected Azman Dry Eye Center for my next eye exam. This turned out to be one of the best choices I have ever made! I had no problem getting a late afternoon appointment, so I didn’t lose any time from work. The office is clean and aesthetically pleasing, and the staff is courteous and helpful.

On my first visit, Dr. Irwin Azman took his time and gave my eyes a thorough examination. He tested my eyes for dryness. After the exam, I went to his office where he thoroughly explained my problem and answered all my questions. I never felt that he was rushing me through, and he was extremely kind and courteous. Like the doctor at the previous Eye Group, Dr. Azman also saw the “birthmark” in back of my eye. However, unlike the visit to my former doctor, Dr. Irwin Azman sent me to a retina specialist just to make sure that a more serious problem wasn’t being overlooked.

On my return visit, I told Dr. Azman that my eyes were still irritated. Since it was Christmas time, I called this my Christmas miracle! In just a few hours, my vision improved 100%. Everything looked clear and sharp for the first time in several years!

I am extremely pleased with the care I received at the Azman Dry Eye Center. Doctor Irwin Azman was thorough in his examination, evaluation and explanations. I felt very confident that he really got to the root of my problem, instead of just prescribing another pair of glasses that probably would not have improved my vision. My entire experience at the Azman Dry Eye Center was positive, and I have already recommended them to my friends and family!

-Beverly G. Baltimore, Maryland

Dry Eyes: My eyes were so red that my co-workers would ask what’s wrong?

Since the mid to late 90s, I began to notice the dryness in my eyes. Nothing too serious, just a lot of redness and itching. Plagued by allergies, I attributed my eye symptoms to that and treated it with allergy eye drops. I saw an optometrist at that time for a regular eyeglass exam, and he tested my eyes with a type of litmus paper. It was positive for having “dry eyes”. He gave me a form of prescription eye drops and sent me on my way.

Despite the attempts to alleviate my problem, the dry eye symptoms persisted and actually became worse by early 2001. At this point, they would burn and felt a little scratchy—like the finest of sand paper grades. I began to excessively use lubricant eye drops—at least once, sometimes twice every 2 to 3 hours a day. I kept a bottle in my purse, in my car, and in my refrigerator for relief from the burning. I continued using allergy drops as well. At night, I would apply cold packs for relief from the swelling that I began to notice at the end of each day.

By 2002, I acquired a job requiring me to constantly use a computer. Despite having had tear duct plugs, lubricant eye drops, and nighttime eye gel lubricant, my symptoms became worse. My eyes would redden so badly that my co-workers would comment on what was wrong? I couldn’t wear makeup for long periods of time, as the redness would become worse. My eye lids were mildly swollen and made my eyes look much smaller. The burning at the end of the day again called for cold packs. Assuming that I would just have to live with this, I went on with my life, my eye lubricants, allergy eye drops, and cold packs. When I would cry, my eyes would swell so badly, that despite the use of ice packs, it would take a good 24 hours to get my eyelids back to “normal.”

In the winter of 2005, I miraculously was captured by a building’s address that read “Azman Eye Care DRY EYE CENTER”. I made an appointment and Dr. Irwin Azman himself called me to ask me what my situation was—and he was in California at the time! I was very impressed with this type of attention.

After the most thorough eye exam I have ever experienced, I eagerly listened as Dr. Irwin Azman specifically explained every test result; the anatomy and physiology of the eyelid and tear duct system, and best of all, the treatment of my dry eye condition. Within 4 weeks, I began to notice 70% improvement with my dry eye symptoms. My eyes felt less like sandpaper, the redness was not as apparent, the itching was gone, and the burning had subsided. The most evident sign of improvement was the lack of my need for excessive lubricant eye drops AND allergy eye drops. By 6 weeks, I was 90 to 95% symptom free. By far, the most superb result was when I cry, whether a soft cry or hard cry, my eyes never swell at all.

At my 8-week visit, I was so pleased.

I am eternally grateful to Dr. Irwin Azman for introducing me to the most effective treatment for my dry eye condition. My eyes are at last relieved!

-Martha W. Baltimore, Maryland

I was simply told by my previous optometrist that I “am not a candidate” for contact lenses.

I am currently a patient of Dr. Irwin Azman. I underwent cataract surgery of my right eve in January 2003 and now have an astigmatism problem in that eye. In addition. I have a cataract in my left eye and also have the normal reading vision problems that comes with age. I was simply told by my previous optometrist that I “am not a candidate” for contact lenses. That was that. Nothing else was said. So I continued with glasses. Since going to Dr. Irwin Azman, he and his staff have spent an enormous amount of time doing tests and fitting me for contact lenses. Even though I get frustrated. Dr. Irwin Azman persists in trying to keep “tweaking” the prescription to make my vision as good as possible. I now can see better with my contacts than with my glasses!! Dr. Irwin Azman has taken a lot of time and effort in order for me to be able to wear contact lenses and I would not hesitate referring anyone wanting the same.

-Phyllis B. Owings Mills, Maryland

Contact lenses: I was told “that’s as good as it gets”.

It is with great pleasure that I testify to the wonderful treatment I have received at the Azman Eye Care Clinic. Prior to becoming a patient here, my past experiences were unsatisfactory — as despite my complaints to one doctor about not seeing clearly with the contacts he prescribed, I was told “that’s as good as it gets”. Had I continued in his “care”, I would have required corneal transplants. The last doctor I saw prior to the Dr Irwin Azman , in addition to not noticing my corneas were again very dry, was prescribing lenses for me that were not even being manufactured. At the Azman Clinic I feel like I’m the only patient there. The care and patience extended to me make me feel quite certain I’m in “good hands” with professionals who sincerely care about fitting me with proper lenses and a treatment schedule to keep my corneas from ever approaching the poor state they were in when I first arrived for treatment. I won’t hesitate to recommend the Azman Center to anyone!

-Elaine R. Pikesville, Maryland

Orthokeratology:I was told I could not wear lenses by 3 other eye doctors

Precision Accelerated Orthokeratology :
I was told I could not wear contact lenses by 3 other eye doctors due to my dry eyes. You did concur that I had dry eyes, but you introduced me to Orthokeratology. You explained your Precision Accelerated technique to me. Even though I was a little skeptical about it ,because I never heard of it, I decided to trust you. I also looked into lasik and was told I could have it. After researching lasik and dry eyes I learned that if you have dry eyes you should not have lasik surgery. It has now been 2 years since going through your procedure and I am still experiencing comfortable, clear vision all waking hours. Thank you Dr. Azman for guiding and educating me and protecting my eyes from having Lasik which could of been a disaster. You have changed my life.

-A.J. Baltimore, Maryland

Orthokeratology: Free from glasses and contacts, with no surgery!

A. K. (Patient)

Precision Accelerated Orthokeratology

As a student wearing glasses, my vision deteriorated to 20/400. Now thanks to Dr. Irwin Azman’s Precision Accelerated Orthokeratology technique, I passed my drivers test and go to school without lenses on. I am now free from glasses all waking hours. Thank you Dr. Irwin Azman!!