Three major parts of sun light consist of visible, ultraviolet & infrared radiation. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can result in a spectrum of skin and ocular diseases. UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. We studied the ultraviolet and visible light rays transmission in several soft contact lenses commonly available in Iran.

Using a spectral transmittance-meter, the percentage transmittance was evaluated for UV-B (290-315 nm), UV-A (315-400), and visible light (400-760 nm). The sample consisted of 6 available soft lenses of each of the following types: Acuvue Oasys (Johnson& Johnson), Acuvue 2 (Johnson& Johnson), Biofinity (Cooper vision), Biomedics (Cooper vision), Ultra Wave (Ultra vision), Specialty S55 (Ultra vision).

71% of the studied lenses failed to offer 95% protection as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for UV-B radiation. None of the lenses in this study showed required blocking for UV-A radiation. Among all the studied UV-blocking soft lenses, the Acuvue Oasys Performed best with a transmittance of less than 4% in the 290-315 nm (UV-B) and 45% in the 315- 400 nm (UV-A). All of the studied lenses showed a decrease in transmittance at certain wavelengths on the visible spectrum.

All of the UV- blocking tested contact lenses can provide a significantly better level of protection from sunlight UV exposure than lenses without UV-blocking. But for best protection UV-blocking contact lenses should be worn in conjunction with UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, especially for people who spend a significant time outdoors and for those who live in more UV intense environments.