Categories: General Optometry

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

Recent Posts

Myopia Management FAQs: Who Is Myopia Management For?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition affecting people of all ages,…

2 weeks ago

Myopia Management FAQs: Is Myopia Management Worth It?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects a significant portion of the population, particularly children and adolescents. As…

3 weeks ago

Insight Vision’s Global COPE Event: A Look Back at Myopia and Keratoconus Education

At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we're committed to bringing the latest advancements in eye care…

1 month ago

🎈 You’re Invited: The Labubu Fashion Show at Insight Vision Center Optometry!

Get ready to step into a world where adorable meets chic. Insight Vision Center Optometry…

1 month ago

Signs Your Eyes Could Benefit from Progressive Lenses

As we age, our eyesight inevitably undergoes various changes which can significantly impact our daily…

2 months ago

Is Sunlight Good or Bad for My Eyes?

In the quest for optimal eye health, it's crucial to strike a balance between benefiting…

2 months ago