UV Protection with contact and spectacles lenses
A common statement we often find amongst patients is ‘I don’t feel anything wrong with my eyes if I sit in the sun for long periods of time, so I don’t see the problem’ - well disappointingly that’s wrong. The crystalline lens is clear when we are born and so we can see great, however over a period of time, when exposed to UV radiation, it absorbs UVA and UVB radiation. This results in a build up of proteins on the lens and can lead to a cataract – one of the leading causes of global blindness in the ageing population. Additionally, recent research is being conducted into further effects of UV radiation with relation to visual focusing issues (presbyopia) and age-related macular degeneration. So although we don’t think much damage at the time is being done by exposing ourselves to the radiation, unnoticeable damage is being done over a period of time.
Although we are increasing exposure to UV radiation during the summer months, it is there all the year round. We therefore ask of you to please get yourself informed of the ways you can protect yourself from UV radiation. We offer UV blocking contact lenses and spectacle lens coatings that offer all-year-round UV protection. Please ask for more information.
