Most people know that exposure to the sun can damage their skin. But extended exposure to the same UV rays can also increase the risk of developing eye disorders.

Optometrist Stephen Cohen says that everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun. UV rays reach you from above as well as through reflection off surfaces like water, sand and pavement. And while some sunglasses can help shield the eyes from the suns rays, they only block about 50% of UV radiation because sunlight also enters they eyes from above and around sunglasses.

Please remember that UV-absorbing contact lenses do not substitute for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not on everyday basis.

Cohen says contacts lenses with UV blocks are designed to compliment sunglass use as added protection but not all contact lenses offer the same amount of protection.

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.

As with all contact lenses, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be worn if the wearer has an eye infection or experiences eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If these conditions occur, the wearer should contact their eye care professional.

For more information on contact lenses with UV protection, talk to your eye care professional or go to Acuvue.com. 

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