Name: Insight Vision Center Optometry
Address: 3151 Airway Ave. Ste. M3, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Telephone: (714) 486-3315
Price range: Make An Appointment

Can Your Contact Lenses Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays?

Summer is here, meaning more people are spending time outdoors. Appropriate sun protection is essential, whether you’re going to the park, heading to the beach or simply hanging out in your yard. Sunglasses are the first thing people think of for protecting their eyes against ultraviolet radiation. However, if you wear contact lenses, they can also keep your eyes safe from the sun.

Here’s how your contacts can protect your eyes from the sun.

What Can UV Rays Do to Your Eyes?

Healthy amounts of sunlight can benefit your overall well-being. It can encourage good vitamin D production, boost your mood and improve your productivity. Natural light can also help people sleep better by regulating their circadian rhythms.

Excessive amounts of ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes, just as they can hurt your skin. It wouldn’t take long before you start feeling the effects of too much UV radiation exposure. The lens, retina and cornea are the parts of your eyes more susceptible to sun-related damage. It’s why eye doctors recommend wearing UV-blocking glasses when going outdoors during the day, regardless of the weather.

How Can Contact Lenses Offer Sun Protection?

Contact lenses lay flatly on your eyes, which means they can shield UV rays from different directions. Keep in mind that all contacts are not made equal. Some products don’t offer as much UV protection as others. For instance, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Class 2 contacts can absorb at least 50% of UVA and 95% of UVB. These lenses are considered general-purpose lenses with UV absorption capabilities. If you want better defense from the sun, consider investing in FDA Class 1 contact lenses. They can absorb over 90% of UVA and 99% of UVB.

Whether you’re interested in ortho-k or getting new eyeglasses, Insight Vision Center Optometry is happy to assist you. Call us at (714) 486-3315, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving patients in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA, and nearby areas.

Insight Vision Center Optometry is a proud member of Vision Source, the premier network of private practice optometrists.

Our Testimonials

Real experiences from clients who’ve seen our expertise—discover what our patients have to say.

Dr. Chen and the staff are very friendly and professional and can provide patients with sincere service and advice.

Elise Fu

Insight Vision Center Optometry has truly transformed my eyecare experience over the past year. Under the expert care of Dr. Chen, Dr. Schramm, Dr. Lam, and Dr. Mai, I've received unparalleled attention and personalized service. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond the doctors to the outstanding admin and tech team who ensure a seamless and efficient visit every time.

The level of expertise, professionalism, and genuine care exhibited by the entire staff sets Insight Vision Center Optometry apart. From thorough examinations to comprehensive explanations of my eye health, they have created an atmosphere of trust and confidence. It's not just about eye care; it's about an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of their patients.

I wholeheartedly recommend Insight Vision Center Optometry to everyone seeking top-notch optometric services. It's more than an eye clinic; it's a place where your vision is valued, and your experience is exceptional. This team has undoubtedly set the standard for excellence in eyecare.

Nathaniel Choi

Dr. Mai and the entire personnel are amazing! Extremely polite, kind and professional. In addition, I can now see 20/20!!! Thank you, thank you all

Franchezka 777

Dr. Schramm is stellar. He really cares about his patients. Great staff. Scleral lenses are life changing.

Kevin W

My first eye exam in fifteen years. I am so thankful that I found Insight Vision Center. Dr. Lam and staff made me feel like a welcome guest. My eye exam revealed very minor blurriness and Dr. Lam did not pressure me into purchasing eyewear for a condition not necessitating glasses… yet. Maybe next year? I am getting older. They took my VSP insurance. Yay!

Scott H.

Dr. Lam and staff are amazing. Every phone call or interaction is friendly. You can feel the smiles and joy over whatever mode of communication you are interacting with them. Dr. Lam is very knowledgeable and helps you to better understand everything that is going on with your eyes. She made me aware of potential problems I may have with my eyes and walked me through every step of the process. She helped me understand the various factors that could be causing my vision to be a little impaired and followed up with me as I had to see an ophthalmologist. Great team, great office.

Virgilio S.