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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