The sun is essential for life and helps our bodies make vitamin D, but it also gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays that can harm our skin and eyes. As people have become more careful about protecting their skin, it’s equally important to protect the eyes. UV-protecting contact lenses offer a modern way to get clear vision while reducing UV exposure.
Popular contact lenses that offer UV-blocking features include the Acuvue Oasys line (including Acuvue Oasys for astigmatism), Biotrue ONEday and Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia, MyDay Daily Disposable, and Avaira Vitality. Want to learn more? Here are the benefits and how to pair them with natural sun-care habits.
Why eye protection from UV matters
We already know UV rays can damage skin—causing sunburn, early aging, and higher skin cancer risk. The eyes are vulnerable too, and long-term UV exposure can lead to several problems:
– Photokeratitis: Like a sunburn on the surface of the eye. It can be painful, cause blurred vision, and make the eyes very sensitive to light—often after intense reflection from snow or water.
– Cataracts: UV exposure can help cause the lens of the eye to cloud over time, leading to foggy vision that may need surgery.
– Macular degeneration: The macula, which handles central vision, can be damaged by UV rays, reducing the ability to read, drive, or see fine details.
– Pterygium: A growth that starts on the white of the eye and can spread onto the cornea, potentially changing its shape and causing astigmatism.
Given these risks, protecting our eyes from UV is more than a suggestion—it’s important. Along with understanding these dangers, we should take steps to protect both skin and eyes.
How UV-blocking contact lenses help
Sunglasses are common for UV protection, but they can fall short—some don’t block all UV rays and none fully cover the eye. UV-blocking contact lenses add another level of protection:
– Better coverage: Contacts sit on the cornea, giving consistent protection to that key area.
– Convenience: If you already wear contacts, UV-blocking lenses give vision correction and UV protection in one.
– Practicality: They’re useful for the beach, sports, or everyday life when you want protection without extra eyewear.
Natural sun-care tips to use with UV contacts
Contact lenses don’t protect the skin or the whole eye area, so combining them with natural sun-care steps gives fuller protection:
– Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight.
– Eat antioxidant-rich foods—like berries, spinach, and nuts—to help protect eye health from the inside.
– Choose sunglasses made from sustainable materials that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
– Stay in the shade when the sun is strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
– Try calendula eye drops for their soothing, anti-inflammatory effects if your eyes feel irritated after sun exposure.
As we pursue a healthy, natural lifestyle, it’s easy to forget eye care. UV-protecting contact lenses are a practical, modern tool that fits well with a holistic approach. By combining them with simple sun-safe habits, we keep our eyes clear and healthy—truly the windows to our world.