Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are clear, thin plastic disks that lie on the surface of the eye to correct vision, similar to eyeglasses. They can correct the same vision conditions as eyeglasses, but contacts require more care in handling. For patients with corneal transplants, keratoconus, or ocular trauma, contacts can be vital. Contact lenses are the first refractive surface for light rays entering the eye, causing a more precise focus. Not everyone can wear contact lenses. Contacts are either hard or soft: Hard contacts are rigid, gas-permeable lenses (called RGP) widely used when the cornea has significant stigmatism or when a person has allergies or forms protein deposits on the contacts. Soft lenses are generally more comfortable and come in several types: daily-wear, extended-wear, toric, and disposable-wear. Bifocal or multifocal contacts are available in either hard or soft versions. Many people view their world through contact lenses. They use contact lenses to correct near- and far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (bifocals). Specialized fittings will determine which contacts will give the best vision and comfort.

Why UAB

UAB Ophthalmology has more than 25 physicians, many of them named among the top doctors in their fields nationally. They are renowned for their advances in eye care, breaking through old ways of treating blinding eye diseases and revolutionizing many areas of ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology care at UAB is located in UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, one of the busiest eye hospitals in the country, where specialists work together to treat complex cases. The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital surgical suite houses nine operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery as well as a 24/7 Eye emergency room, which is the region’s only Level I Ocular Trauma Center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye surgeries than any other facility in the world. Patients come from around the nation to be treated for eye conditions at UAB.

The UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation works with patients to maximize vision and provides services such as orientation and mobility, occupational therapy, and support groups for patients dealing with vision loss or impairment.

Through ongoing research and clinical trials, UAB continues to make great strides in the field of ophthalmology. In addition to our physicians, we have a team of vision scientists who are fully dedicated to researching causes, preventions, and cures for eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Many UAB ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to deliver the latest in scientific discovery to our patients.

Images and Videos

Priscilla Fowler, MD Assistant Professor and Director of the Cornea Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at UAB, discusses how easily "red eye" can be misdiagnosed.

See how UAB’s Bioptic Driving Program is paving the road for those who are severely nearsighted to get behind the wheel safely.

UAB pilot program brings glaucoma screenings closer to home.

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.

After being hit in the eye with a bottle rocket, Dianne Peterson underwent sight-saving surgery at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital.

PHYSICIANS

J. Waid Blackstone, MD

Parisa Dudley, OD

Carol Rosenstiel, OD

Kayla L. Thomason, OD

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Astigmatism

Myopia

Presbyopia

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Contact Lenses. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials