UV PROTECTION
Consumer research has shown that UV protection is an
important lens attribute for patients. In fact, 3 of 4 patients report that
they want UV protection from their contact lenses, and 1 of 2 say they would
switch brands for UV protection.
Since 1997, ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses have led the way in
UV blocking. All ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are FDA approved to help
provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the
cornea and into the eye.*
‡ACUVUE® ADVANCE™ Brand Contact Lenses block
approximately 90% of UV-A radiation and 99% of UV-B radiation. All
other ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses block approximately 82% of UV-A
radiation and 97% of UV-B radiation. On the average, contact lenses
without UV blocking block approximately 10% of UV-A radiation and
30% of UV-B radiation 1.
1 Harris MG, Hararifar M, Hirano K. Transmittance of
tinted and UV-blocking disposable contact lenses. Optom Vis Sci
1999;76(3):177-180.
* WARNING:
UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing
eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, because they do not
completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use
UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation
is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a
number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography,
cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities).
UV-Blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV
radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that
wearing UV-Blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts
or other eye disorders.
Consult your Eye Care Professional for more information.
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