Dr. Irwin Azman is one of the few contact lens specialists that has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of the keratoconus patient. With over 30 years of experience, his team of technicians, new technologies in instrumentation, contact lens materials and designs, Dr. Azman is able to prescribe each keratoconus patient with the perfect fit. The one characteristic that sets Dr. Irwin Azman apart from other eye care practitioners is that he neither avoids nor declines the challenge of prescribing the most difficult keratoconus cases. Dr. Azman tends to have a perfectionist demeanor.

Dr. Irwin Azman will take all factors into consideration to prescribe the best lens system for his  keratoconus patients: To Schedule appointment call (410) 561-8050

Corneal specialists agree that it is best to exhaust all non-surgical options for keratoconus before undergoing corneal transplant surgery, especially for younger patients. Optometrists and Ophthalmologists from all over Maryland and surrounding states refer their challenging keratoconus patients to Dr. Azman.

Diagnosing Keratoconus

We are now able to detect the presence of keratoconus well before subjective symptoms develop. Corneal Topography and Aberrametry measurements has become the standard of care in diagnosing and management of keratoconus. A computerized system images the shape of the cornea together with the entire optical system by taking tens of thousands of data points. The results are instantly analyzed and wave front topography maps are generated. These printouts will show Dr. Azman a map print (just like a finger print) of the patient's location and severity of any corneal distortion and high order aberrations (HOA).
 

Specular Microscopy

A noninvasive photographic technique that facilitates accurate and precise diagnosis of corneal disease in the back part of the cornea (endothelium). This instrument can pick up early signs of corneal edema, which cannot be picked up on routine examination. If there is any indication of corneal disease, such as keratoconus or edema we might recommend a different treatment modality.

Health/Life Style History

Information concerning your medical health status eye medical status, allergies, family history, and life style and sport activities. Many patients that have allergies have keratoconus.

Contact Lens History

Tear Film Analysis and Dry Eye Evaluation: High instances of Dry and Keratoconus

Lid Evaluation


Keratoconus Treatment

Today, gas permeable contact lens correction of keratoconus is still the main stay of treatment, however very specialized designs have been developed that improve vision and comfort far beyond yesterdays lenses. In addition, customized soft lenses, hybrid, and sclera lenses can now be designed that can also provide excellent visual results in many cases of keratoconus. Some of the highly customized designs used by your contact lens specialists at Azman Contact Lens Specialists(ACLS) include among many others:

Intacs. Intacs, or corneal inserts, received FDA approval for treating keratoconus in August 2004. These tiny plastic inserts are placed just under the eye's surface in the periphery of the cornea and help re-shape the cornea for clearer vision. Intacs may be needed when keratoconus patients no longer can obtain functional vision with contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Corneal cross linking. This non-invasive procedure strengthens corneal tissue to halt bulging of the eye's surface in keratoconus.

Corneal transplant. Some people with keratoconus can't tolerate a rigid contact lens, or they reach the point where contact lenses or other therapies no longer provide acceptable vision.

The last remedy for keratoconus to be considered may be a corneal transplant, also called a penetrating keratoplasty (PK or PKP). Even after a transplant, you most likely will need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision.