Exposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause significant damage to the eyes, leading to conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn on the cornea). These conditions can severely impact your vision and overall eye health, making it essential to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Many people are unaware that certain contact lenses offer built-in UV protection, providing an additional defense against harmful radiation. UV-blocking contact lenses can help filter out UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of developing these serious eye conditions.
What Are UV-Blocking Contact Lenses?
To protect against UV rays, special design techniques are employed in UV-blocking contact lenses. Unlike regular contacts, these lenses contain UV-absorbing materials that help block both UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to various eye conditions.
The Role of UV-Blocking Contact Lenses in Eye Protection
- Reduction of UV Exposure: UV contact lenses help minimize the amount of UV radiation that penetrates the eye, reducing the risk of developing UV-related eye conditions. This is beneficial for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Enhanced Comfort: Advanced materials used in many UV-blocking contact lenses provide UV protection and enhance comfort and moisture retention.
- Convenience: For contact lens wearers, having UV protection built into their lenses offers convenience and peace of mind, knowing that their eyes are safeguarded from harmful rays throughout the day.
The Limitations of UV-Blocking Contact Lenses
Despite their benefits, contacts with UV protection have limitations. They do not cover the entire eye area, leaving the sclera (the white part of the eye) and the surrounding skin vulnerable to UV exposure. This incomplete coverage underscores the importance of additional protective measures, such as sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
The Importance of Wearing UV-Blocking Contact Lenses with Sunglasses
Keep in mind that contact lenses are not substitutes for comprehensive UV protection. You should always wear sunglasses with your contacts for full spectrum protection against UV radiation. Here’s why:
- Full Coverage: Sunglasses provide full coverage for the eyes and surrounding areas, blocking UV rays from all angles. This is important for protecting the sclera and the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Reduced Glare: Sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water, sand, and pavement, improving visual comfort and clarity, especially in bright environments.
- Fashion and Function: Sunglasses come in various styles, allowing you to express your personal fashion sense while safeguarding your eyes and enjoying clear vision from your contact lenses.
Tips to Choose the Right Sunglasses
100% UV Protection: Ensure that the sunglasses provide 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Wraparound Styles: Opt for wraparound styles that offer better coverage and prevent UV rays from entering from the sides.
- Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses reduce glare, enhancing visual comfort and reducing eye strain.
Schedule An Eye Exam in Enid
UV-blocking contact lenses provide a valuable layer of protection against UV radiation, but you should not rely on them as the sole means of defense. Always wear sunglasses with your uv blocking contacts and schedule routine eye exams with in .