Contact lenses with uv blocking can provide a bit of extra protection for your eyes. They’re not a substitute for sunglasses, which block UV rays entirely, but they can give you some added peace of mind if you’re spending long periods of time outdoors without a pair.
Protecting Your Eyes From UV Radiation
It is estimated that about 80% of the damage to your eyes caused by the sun is due to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can cause skin cancer, aging and wrinkling of the eyes, cataracts and other serious vision issues.
There are many ways you can protect your eyes from the sun, including hats and sunglasses that offer UV-blocking protection. But it is also important to use contact lenses that provide some UV blocking, especially during the summer when it’s more likely that you’ll be outside a lot.
Some reputable brands of contact lenses have incorporated UV protection into their product. These include Johnson & Johnson’s Acuvue brand and Bausch and Lomb’s Biotrue One Day contacts.
They are designed to absorb both UVB and UVA rays, which means they’ll keep your eyes protected from harmful rays while still providing clear, comfortable sight. They also come in different UV blocking levels. Class 1 contacts will absorb 90% of UVB rays and 99% of UVA rays while class 2 contact lenses will only absorb about 50% of UVB rays.
Besides absorbing the sun’s rays, they may also help you focus on your phone or computer screen without squinting, and they are available in several lens strengths. You’ll want to talk with your doctor about the best lens for your particular needs.
A study in a group of patients found that contact lenses that block the UV rays are more effective than sunglasses at blocking the rays from reaching the cornea, which could lead to a reduction in eye infections and other problems. They were also found to reduce the risk of developing pterygium, an inflammation of the ciliary body that can lead to blindness.
These types of contact lenses have a thin, flat design that can shield UV rays from all directions. They can also be made to look more stylish than sunglasses, so they’re a great option for those who prefer the sleek appearance of contact lenses over traditional eyeglasses.
Protecting Your Eyes From Ultraviolet Radiation
There is a growing need for more research on the effects of UV rays on the eyes and how they can impact your health. There is a lot of evidence that shielding the skin from UVR can help prevent skin cancer and improve sunburn and other skin conditions, but there is little information about how to protect the eyes.
This multi-site study investigated the effects of wearing UVR-blocking contact lenses on ocular health, accommodation and macular pigment across five developed countries, with varying temperatures and levels of UVR exposure. The participants wore their contact lenses for at least five years and the researchers collected a number of clinical metrics from each patient, including retinal sensitivity, pupil size, visual acuity, macular pigment and ocular itch.