What's Your Eye-Q?

Why don't they have contact lenses with UVB protection?

A number of contact lens manufacturers have started incorporating UV blocking properties into their lenses. The amount of UVA and UVB protection varies widely between brands, and none offer complete protection. 

The major downfall in this area is two-fold. First, without tinting the lens it is difficult to block the appropriate amount of UV light. Second, the contact lens only covers part of the eye. The risk of eyelid cancers or damage to the white part of the eye is still high. Regardless of the amount of UV protection in a contact lens, proper sunglasses are still strongly recommended.

Thanks for the great question! 

 Andrew J. Biondo, OD

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