With the summer in full swing and people flocking to the beach, boats and outdoor activities we must turn our attention to sun protection for our eyes. Conventional eye wear for the outdoors has always been good quality sunglasses. These of course come in many forms and at differing costs depending on quality and style.

Over 3 million people per year are getting fit with all types of contact lenses and the obvious question that must be asked is do they or can they protect the eyes like sunglasses. This is not a new concept and has been studied since the 1970s. An avid surfer in California designed sunglass contact lenses for the great outdoors men, but caused substantial visual discomfort when worn in less then very sunny conditions. In addition, the lenses had decreased oxygen transmission due to the pigment in the lenses. These lenses never took off as the real deal.

Some years later when disposable contact lenses became available there were several that were advertised as UV blocking lenses. Unfortunately, none of them ever gave the sun protection that was required. The lenses were also uncomfortable and never became popular. Over the years many other lenses have come out claiming to give UV protection and some have been quite good, although none of them ever replaced sunglasses.

Recent studies in Ireland have shown that the newest UV blocking contact lenses do give a lot of protection and are the only vision aids that fully protect the cornea from UV light. This is because they cover the cornea and prevent light from coming from the sides at angles the eye glasses can’t defend against. However, the contact lenses do not protect the sclera or white part of the eye since THEY do not cover that part of the eye. In short, neither can fully protect the entire eye from the sun.

The Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science stated that only the contact lenses gave perfect coverage and protection to the eye, but they did not study the affects on the sclera. The bottom line is that both UV Blocking contact lenses and sunglasses do protect the eye from the damaging rays of the sun, but neither is perfect. The best solution is to wear sunglasses over the contact lenses. In cases where the patient is not a contact lenses wearer, we suggest a pair of sunglasses that has some degree of wrap around to best block out the light coming form obtuse angles.

The best way to protect the eyes from the sun will also depend on that activity being performed. Water sports are not good for glasses, but a contact lens may fall out. People should chose the best eye wear and protection for them based on what their needs are.