Summertime is a time of year when awareness around the necessity of UV protection is heightened. In May, Prevent Blindness America hosts Ultraviolet Awareness Month, June 27th is the Vision Council’s National Sunglasses Day and the month of June has been designated as Cataract Awareness Month by Prevent Blindness America.
Contact lenses can add an extra layer of protection from harmful UV rays when paired appropriately with sunglasses (contacts only cover the cornea, while the addition of sunglasses protects the remainder of the front surface)1. The FDA categorizes the level of UV protection that an optical device provides as either Class I or Class II.
FDA Class I blocker: recommended for high exposure environments such as mountains or beaches. The lenses in this classification must block more than:
- 90% of UVA (316-380 nm wavelengths) and
- 99% of UVB (280–315 nm)
FDA Class II blocker: recommended for general purposes. These lenses must block more than:
- 70% of UVA and
- 95% of UVB
Generally, Both UVA and UVB radiation penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging, and skin cancers. They also suppress the immune system. The ocular complications of UV light exposure are well documented and include cataract, pterygium and photokeratitis. The American Optometric Association has published a checklist of lifestyle factors that may put patients at even higher risk for these complications.
Figure Patient UV risk checklist: American Optometric Association
Avaira Vitality™ contact lenses are a naturally wettable, third generation silicone hydrogel family of lenses that offer Class I UV protection for your 2-week disposable contact lens patients. They are available in both sphere and toric options. Talk to your sales rep about how to maximize your two-week contact lens patients’ wearing experience with Avaira Vitality contact lenses and visit the Avaira Vitality product page for more information.
- 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. Patients should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed.