Optometry Archives - Dr. Azman Reviews

My Quest for Contact Lenses

In 1989, I began my quest for a comfortable pair of contact lenses, only to encounter a considerable amount of disappointment, discomfort, and frustration. Some of this was due to being very nearsighted and possessing slight astigmatism, but most of it was caused by eye doctors who claimed they were contact “specialists”. I discovered in 1994 that they weren’t specialists, but were really doctors who only knew the mechanics of fitting contacts. That year, I was able to be fitted with a pair of contacts that were comfortable and provided me with good vision after some relatively short examinations performed by Dr. Irwin Azman.

Right before meeting Dr. Irwin Azman, I went to see a prominent eye care specialty firm because it had been recommended as the best in Maryland in a magazine. Unfortunately, visits there were stressful and unpleasant. At this office, not only did I usually have to wait long periods of time in a crowded waiting room, but I usually had to wait just as long in the examination room for my assigned doctor. Doctors in training would first examine me and I would have to explain my situation during every visit to these novices who wouldn’t even read my history chart. The doctor would then come in, examine me, and perform dozens of calculations while I sat there and watched. With this kind of treatment, my visits became increasingly more stressful because I couldn’t even get fitted with a comfortable pair of contacts. The doctors there prescribed me soft toric lenses time after time. I found the soft toric lenses to be uncomfortably thick; it felt as though they rubbed harshly against my eyes. Vision was unsatisfactory too; it was blurry and seemed to change every time I would blink my eyes. People would say they could see the contacts moving around my eyes. The doctors started becoming frustrated themselves. One finally said he could do absolutely nothing about the rotation of the soft toric lenses and recommended I go back to semi-hard gas permeable lenses. That’s exactly what I didn’t want. That’s why I went to this office in the first place – to get fitted with soft contacts! I had worn gas perms at one time and my eyes were constantly red. That same doctor finally told me in a direct manner that he would rather I just went somewhere else. Since I had had enough, I later agreed and accepted the refund they gave me. At that time, I began looking for someone who really knew what he was doing in this area and found Dr. Irwin Azman in the telephone book. I called Dr. Irwin Azman and to my surprise, Dr. Irwin Azman listened very intently to my situation. He seemed to understand it quite well and seemed very confident that it could be fixed. I scheduled an , appointment, and from that point on, I began to have some luck in my quest for a decent pair of contacts.

My first exam at Dr. Irwin Azman’s turned out to be the easiest one I had ever experienced. A thorough eye exam was performed, and I was very much delighted when I didn’t have to have my eyes dilated. Dr. Irwin Azman’s high-tech equipment made dilation unnecessary: I wouldn’t have trouble driving home afterwards. Dr. Irwin Azman then assessed my situation and explained all the options. He prescribed a pair of contacts with what seemed minimal effort. I didn’t have to witness him performing an extensive number of calculations. Finally, it was a great feeling to get a pair of contacts which were fine-tuned with only two or three visits. Unlike the soft tone, these were a comfortable pair of lenses which gave me good vision. In addition, Dr. Irwin Azman gave me recommendations about cleaning and using solutions on my lenses; after this, there was no more stinging from lenses improperly cleaned the previous night. Dr. Irwin Azman seems to be the real eye care “specialist” because he knows the latest in contact lens technology. On my first visit alone, I learned more about contacts than I had the four years before meeting Dr. Irwin Azman. He had shown me the newest inventions in contact lenses. Nowadays, I’m doing just great with my contacts and continue to make my yearly visits to Dr. Irwin Azman. I have had such good luck with Dr. Irwin Azman that I’m afraid to go elsewhere for my contact lens care!

Lynn O.
Vienna, VA
Patient since 1994

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

Laser Vision Correction, The Right Way

When I first visited Azman Eye Care about 12 years ago, I had had a very bad experience wearing contact lenses. Dr Azman immediately put me at ease, tailored his exam to my needs, asked all the right questions, and together we succeeded in fitting me with lenses and eyeglasses.

When it came time to explore laser vision correction, I took Dr Azman’s suggestion, did some research, and visited a few surgeons on my own. When I returned and told Dr Azman that I was confused by the various options that I had heard, Dr Azman did further research and came up with a few good options. We put our heads together and decided what was best for me, not necessarily what was best for you or your practice. I’ve been very happy with the results. After all, what could be better than 20/20?

I’ve already referred friends and family to you, and will continue to do so. Keep up the great work!

-Burt B. 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

When it comes to contact lenses they are the “Doctor’s doctor”.

Contact Lenses Specialty:

Azman Eye Care Specialists is the preeminent contact lens specialty practice in the greater Baltimore area. Patients are referred to Azman Eye Care Specialists from eye care professionals throughout the United States.

Azman Eye Care Contact Lens Specialists is specifically designed, equipped, and staffed to provide the contact lens patient with nothing but the finest in professional care. As contact lens specialists, we have successfully treated thousands of patients with contact lenses, including many who were previously told they could not wear contact lenses.

When it comes to personalized contact lens care, no doctor can match the attention given by Dr. Irwin Azman and Dr. Thomas Azman. The Azman team is world renowned for their expertise, unwavering commitment to superb patient care, passion, and education in providing personalized eye care for contact lens patients. They have earned a reputation by their peers as being the “Doctor‘s doctor”.

One characteristic that sets Azman Contact Lens Specialists apart from other eye care practitioners is that they neither avoid nor decline the challenge of prescribing the most difficult cases. They tend to have a perfectionist demeanor.
Physicians, Optometrists, and Ophthalmologists from all over the nation refer their challenging and complex contact lens patients to the Azman team. The doctor’s meticulous contact lens evaluation is unique and will not only determine if a patient’s eye are appropriate for contacts; but also will let the Azman team prescribe the correct type of lens that is the most compatible for the patient’s eyes and visual needs. The Azman doctors prescribe all types of contact lenses including; bifocals, progressive, lenses for astigmatism, dry eyes, keratoconus, color vision correction, post-lasik failures, and many other specialty lenses. Only a comprehensive contact lens evaluation will assure long term eye health, perfect all day eye sight, and all day comfort.

The Azman team of specialists have redefined and set the gold standard of care in the contact lens profession and are known as the experts by their peers.

Lens cover for storing contact lens (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Times Have Changed – Technological Advances at Azman Eye Care Specialists

Contact lenses are not what they used to be… even two years ago. Technological advances have greatly improved contact lenses and lens care products – revolutionizing vision correction.

At Azman Eye Care Specialists, our doctors keep well informed of emerging technologies by being involved in research studies and FDA clinical trials. We design and develop new contact lenses on an ongoing basis. Our doctors will recommend the contact lenses that will work best for your eyes and your lifestyle.

Our doctors prescribe contact lenses made by all major manufacturers, as well as contact lenses from smaller custom labs, and even develop our own unique contact lenses for patients whom other doctors may consider difficult or impossible to fit. Due to our doctor’s vast experience in contact lenses, they often find that patients who have not had past success with contact lenses are now able to enjoy safe, healthy contact lens wear.

As experts in the field of contact lenses, our doctors stay involved in research and development of the newest products associated with contact lenses, lectures at vision conferences, and has published numerous articles in professional contact lens literature and journals. You can be assured that our doctors will provide the highest quality of contact lens care, whether your needs are as straight forward as soft-disposable contact lenses, or as complex as fitting lenses for Keratoconus or following corneal trauma.

Bifocal and Multi-focal Contact Lenses
Astigmatism Contact Lenses
Scleral Specialty Contact Lenses
• Post-Surgical Vision Loss
• Keratoconus
• Corneal Ectasia
• Radial Keratotomy and Lasik Complications / Failures
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

Dr. Azman Pirouettes through the contact lens exam

When choosing schools for one’s children one tends to be very picky. One never settles for anything less than the best, and one makes sure that all aspects of the education process—from the school’s cleanliness to the experience and talent of the teachers to the principal’s professionalism— fit perfectly with one’s parenting values, Similar should be one’s mindset when choosing a healthcare provider, especially for an aspect of one’s anatomy—the eyes-upon which depends so much of one’s life.

However, I only followed my own advice after this story:

I decided I wanted to try wearing contacts when I had had just about enough of the literal and figurative headaches that were involved with wearing glasses, I couldn’t enjoy rollercoasters to their fullest potential, couldn’t swim In the summer, couldn’t roughhouse with my brothers. So I went to the eye doctor who was covered under my pitiful health insurance and asked for contacts. He quickly went through the tests, the measuring, the dilating of my pupils, but I never felt he A) was the expert in his field or B) took enough time to get to know my eyes.

My gut wasn’t wrong—after wearing the contacts for a few hours, I felt as though they were dirty and needed so be cleaned, so I took them out rubbed them with solution , rinsed them with saline, put them hack in. And for a few more minutes, that was great. Until the blurriness came back. Now I know that I suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome, but then I Just thought I wasn’t cleaning my contacts well enough or that something was wrong with the actual hydrophilic lenses.

So, I gave up contacts, went back to the suffering of spectacles, resigned myself to the fact that there was an entire world out there that I’d never get to experience due to the limitations of my lorgnette.

However, that world kept tugging, kept calling, kept encouraging me to partake of it, and not long after we moved from New York to Maryland, it became too loud to ignore any longer.

I chose Dr Irwin Azman at Azman Eye Care because my In-laws went there and since then have not thought of any place else. As far as I’m concerned, if you don’t come here, you’re doing your eyes, and the rest of your body, a great disservice.

If you look at a ballet dancer, one who is trained classically and does nothing but dance, you will see that she makes an arabesque look effortless; a pirouette and a pile, as simple as pie; a cabriole, with apparent casualness. You only understand that there are days and literally years of hard work, sweat and preparation that go into dancing if you study them.

Dr. Irwin Azman and Dr. Thomas Azman not only have years of education and experience under their belts, but they also seriously enjoy their profession. They have put in, and continue to do so, their 80+ hours per week. They have racked up countless sleepless nights preparing for med school exams. And they have experimented to discover the absolute best way to treat patients—as Individuals and with a personal touch.

So, like the ballerina, whose beauty and style are only a result of painstakingly precise practice, Dr Irwin Azman and Dr. Thomas Azman do what any other eye doctor would consider either unnecessary or even Impossible, with such grace and apparent ease, I suggest that anyone who values his eyes and the importance of good vision to a healthy lifestyle go see Dr Irwin Azman and Dr Thomas Azman!

-Josh G. Pikesville, 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