Like your skin, your eyes also need protection from the sun's harmful rays. The eyes are much more sensitive to these rays than your skin, so they need better security. UV-blocking contacts are ideal for people who spend most of their days outdoors. 

They are also helpful when performing high-glare activities around snow or water. Overexposure to UV rays can have short and long-term consequences for your eyes.

Classification of UV Blocking Contacts

The level of protection in contact lenses depends on the percentage of ultraviolet rays they can block. Currently, there are two classes of these contacts. Class one UV-blocking contact lenses offer the highest level of ultraviolet protection. 

They are lenses that block up to 90 percent of UV-A and 99 percent of UV-B rays. Class two contact lenses can block 70 percent of UV-A and 95 percent of UV-B rays. The advantages of ultraviolet-blocking contact lenses include:

Maintaining Eye Health

Blocking the transmission of UV rays using contact lenses helps sustain the macular pigment density of your eyes. A substantial amount of macular pigment helps protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration. This disease is among the leading causes of permanent blindness in people above 55 years old.

Protection From Eye Diseases

Ultraviolet blocking contacts help protect your eyes from various eye conditions that come with overexposure to UV. They help guard your eyes against short-term effects like photokeratitis. UV keratitis or photokeratitis is a condition where UV rays burn your conjunctiva and cornea. 
 

Long-term conditions like pterygium also fall under this category. Pterygium is a condition where the conjunctiva overgrows, covering the eye's white area. It causes blurry vision, redness, and discomfort. 

UV-blocking contact lenses reduce the risk of retinal damage and curb the acceleration of cataracts. Medical studies in this field show that these contacts protect you from some forms of eye cancer, like eye melanoma. 

Comfort

The materials in UV-blocking lenses not only keep your eyes healthy but also offer comfort. Both rigid and soft lenses have similar benefits. You can also opt for hybrid UV lenses that have a center with durable material. The modification offers additional comfort and crisp, clear vision.

Better Peripheral and Central Vision

Like traditional contact lenses, UV lenses conform to the shape of your eyes. But unlike UV glasses, these give you a broader field of view while providing minimum obstruction and distortion. In addition, they offer low glare reflections and image distortion.

Convenience

UV-blocking contacts allow you to go about your daily activities comfortably. You do not need to worry about them breaking, falling off, or getting lost. You can wear them when exercising or doing strenuous activities throughout the day. They are comfortable to wear in any weather since they are impervious to rain or fog.

Other Benefits

There are several other benefits of choosing to wear UV-blocking contact lenses. They include:

• Clearer vision when outdoors.
• Less eyestrain.
• Less glare.
• Offer a near-natural look.

For more on the benefits of using UV-blocking contact lenses, visit Van Alstyne Eye Care at our Van Alstyne, Texas office. Call (903) 482-0090 to schedule an appointment today.