Acuvue Advance and Acuvue OASYS Receive Seal of Acceptance - UV Protection

Vistakon, the manufacturer of Acuvue Advance and Acuvue OASYS announced that they are the first brand of contact lenses to receive from the American Optometric Association's Commission on Ophthalmic Standards the Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbing Contact Lenses.

THE AOA provides independent evaluations of ophthalmic related products. In their recent research they determined that both Acuvue OASYS and Acuvue Advance met their standards for ultraviolet absorbing contact lenses. These specifications are in accordance with the standards of the International Standards Organization (ISO) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The ISO and ANSI have two standards in classifying UV-blocking contacts. It is based on absorptive capacity at its minimum thickness. The Class 1 UV-blocking contact lenses must absorb a minimum of 90% UVA and at least 99% UVB radiation. Class 2 UV-blocker contact lenses must absorb at least 70% of UVA and more than 95% of UVB radiation. Only products that meet these standards may claim to be UV blocking.

According to Pat Cummings, VP, Professional Affairs, Vistakon, "Not all contact lens lines offer UV protection, and, of those that do, not all provide similar absorption levels. All Acuvue Brand Contact Lenses offer effective UV-blocking, and among contact lens brands, Acuvue Advance, Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism, and Acuvue OASYS with more than 90% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays blocked are the only lenses to achieve Class I UV blocking status."

Experts vary of the amount of damage that UV can cause eyes of a period of time. But studies have shown that the effects of UV radiation are cumulative and may increase the chance of developing eye problems later in life, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, the two leading causes of reduced eye.

The Problem with Sunglasses and UV Blocking

UV-blocking contact lenses that cover the entire cornea and limbus offer an added level of protection when worn with UV blocking sunglasses. What makes this protection important is the limited blockage people get from wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses block UV rays that enter through the lens, but as much as 50% of UV radiation may reach the eyes through the sides. It is important to block the peripheral UV rays. These lenses add protection by blocking the sunlight that enters the eye from the top, bottom, or sides of the glasses.

Although UV-blocking contact lenses provide important protection for users, they should not be considered an alternative to using sunglasses. Contacts should be worn in with high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses. It is also recommended to wear a wide-brimmed hat for additional UV protection for the eyes.