A Comparison of Ultraviolet Transmission through Soft Contact Lenses Available in Iranian Market

Long-time erexposure to ultraviolet radiations can lead to various skin and ocular diseases. UV-blocking contact lenses due to their properties against ultraviolet radiations can protect eyes. The present study aimed to compare between ultraviolet and visible light rays transmission through soft contact lenses available in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 6 types of contact lenses (Avaira, Biofinity, Acuvue 2, Acuvue Oasys, Ultra Wave, and Specialy S55) were purchased from reputable companies of the country, and were evaluated in terms of transmission of ultraviolet and visible light according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration of (FDA) criteria. To test the samples, a calibrated spectral transmittance-meter was used, which had the ability of evaluation of samples at wavelengths of ultraviolet type B, type A, and visible light. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. The significance level was considered to be p≥0.05. In this study, none of the lenses were eligible for blocking UV radiation. Among the UV-blocking soft lenses, the Acuvue Oasys had the best performance, with a transmittance of less than 4% of UV-B and less than 45% of UV-A. All of the lenses decreased the transmittance of visible light about 4%. Considering that all of the studied contact lenses can protect eyes against UV radiation compared to other lenses, but for protection against harmful sunlight, standard sunglasses and an appropriate hat should be used together with even the best UV-blocking contact lenses.