Times Have Changed - Technological Advances
Conditions Treated with Contacts
What every patient needs to know about contact lenses – a guide for those who wear them, those who want to wear them, and those who have been told they can't wear them.
Azman Contact Lens Specialists
Our practice 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.
Times Have Changed
For the 30 million Americans who wear contact lenses – enjoying freedom from wearing glasses and often improved visual acuity – times have changed!
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.
Contact lenses can now treat a variety of conditions for which you may have previously been told that contacts would not work.
We can now treat those with astigmatism, replace bifocal glasses, and even change or enhance your eye color. Disposable lenses have eliminated cleaning and everyday handling. Daily wear and flexible-wear lenses are safer and more comfortable than ever.
With traditional "hard lenses" almost extinct, today's lenses are made from materials that allow oxygen to pass freely to the eye, allowing it to breathe – whether you wear soft contacts or rigid oxygen permeable.
If you have ever thought about contacts, were told you couldn't wear them... or stopped wearing them for some reason... reconsider contacts – they're not what they used to be!
Vision Conditions Now Treated With Contacts
For children and adults, most vision conditions can now be treated with contact lenses – even those which could not be treated successfully even a few years ago.
Some of the most common conditions we can now treat with contacts include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (loss of up-close focusing).
At Azman Contact Lens Specialists, we inventory more than 20,000 different lenses in order to best fit each individual patient, and to accommodate any emergency needs our patients may have, such as losing or tearing a lens. Our inventory of lenses includes the following:
Soft, Astigmatic Soft, Gas Permeable, Bifocal Soft, Tinted Lenses, Extended Wear, Cataract Lenses, Keratoconic, Hard, Pediatric Lenses, Lenses for Eye Traumas, Color-Corrective Lenses for Color Deficiency, Sport Contact Lenses, New "Wave Front" Lenses,Lenses for Radial Keratonomy Failure, PRK and Lasik failure, New Fluorocarbon, Disposable Silicone, and Future Collagen.
Contact Lenses for Our 2000 Lifestyles – The 'Forty-Something Syndrome'
As baby boomers continue to age, more than 100 million Americans will be affected by presbyopia (the inability to focus up-close) by the year 2006.
With the modern contact lens technology available today, you no longer have only reading glasses or bifocal glasses as options for correcting your vision.
Bifocal Lens Alternatives – Alternating/Translating Vision Bifocals – Simultaneous Vision Bifocals, Diffractive Vision Bifocals, Omnivision, Aspheric Soft Contacts.
Contact lenses available for the presbyopic patient come in a variety of "patterns", combining lens areas for near and distance vision. Some lenses feature a bulls-eye configuration, with the distance-vision portion in the middle of the lens; others have the distance on the lower half; and others wear one lens for distance and one for near – a prescription called omnivision, which Ronald Reagan wore. Ask Dr. Azman about the best lenses for you.
Sports
Being active and participating in sports is often inconvenient, or even impractical, when wearing glasses.
Glasses get in the way; they fall off; they fog up... or they get broken.
Contact lenses have come to the rescue of many Americans – ranging from professional athletes to little leaguers. Contacts can be worn with safety glasses when appropriate. They are great for water sports.
Children
While there are numerous benefits to fitting children with contacts – particularly the fact that they are less inclined to remove their lenses as they are to take their glasses off during the school day.
Nonetheless, there are many other factors to consider when a child expresses interest in wearing contact lenses. Is the child motivated enough to accept responsibility for the lenses? Is the child's hygiene indicative of properly maintaining the lenses to avoid contamination?
Spend some time with your child and Dr. Azman to discuss the pros and cons of contacts in your family.
The Contact Lens Examination
A contact lens examination is a bit different than an examination for eye glasses. Dr. Azman first needs to determine if you can wear contact lenses, and then which type would best correct your visual problem.
A contact lens examination is quite extensive. Dr. Azman will need to ask you some specific questions about your lifestyle, any medications or any allergies you may have. He will also measure the curve of your cornea, the size and shape of your pupil, eyelid tension, your ability to produce tears naturally, and overall eye health – all to prescribe the vision correction that is best for you.
What Should I Consider?
There are many reasons people choose to wear contact lenses – most often it's for improved looks. But, convenience is also a major consideration – particularly if you have an active lifestyle and participate in sports.
While Dr. Azman will make contact lens recommendations based on your examination results, here are factors for you to consider when talking with the doctor about contacts:
- What types of lenses will be most comfortable? Am I around fumes or a lot of dust on a regular basis?
- Handling the lenses is a consideration. Are my fingers nimble and my vision sharp enough to see the lenses when they're out of my eyes?
- Does a regimen of cleaning and disinfecting present any problems? Are disposables better for my lifestyle?
- Do I want to change or enhance my eye color?
- Am I committed to following Dr. Azman's directions and to routine follow-up care?
What you Need... When You Need It
Our extensive inventory enables us to fit the majority of contact lens patients in the office, allowing you to wear your lenses home the same day. This is particularly convenient when a replacement lens is needed (and we can overnight express them to you if you're out of town).
And, as part of our commitment to providing complete optometric care, we also have a wide selection of eyeglass frames for your convenience – understanding that no matter how much you will enjoy wearing your new contact lenses, you will still need glasses.
Our Professional Staff
Our staff of contact lens technicians and office staff is trained to provide you with complete instructions and guidance that will help make a smooth a and comfortable transition to contact lenses.