Currently only two silicone hydrogel lens types are FDA approved to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. These are Acuvue Advance and Acuvue Oasys. According to Johnson and Johnson, Acuvue Advance lenses block approximately 90% of UV-A radiation and 99% of UV-B radiation and Acuvue Oasys block 96% of UV-A rays and 99% of UV-B radiation.
It is important to take note of Johnson and Johnson's disclaimer given below:
"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."
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