Transmittance of tinted and UV-blocking disposable contact lenses

Optom Vis Sci. 1999 Mar;76(3):177-80. doi: 10.1097/00006324-199903000-00018.

Abstract

Tinted and ultraviolet (UV)-blocking disposable contact lenses have become increasingly popular over the last decade. Wearers of UV-blocking contact lenses could benefit greatly by protecting their eyes from potential UV radiation damage. A Uvikon 930 dual beam spectrophotometer was used to measure three enhancement-tinted lenses (royal blue, evergreen, and aqua), two types of UV-blocking lenses, and two types of non-UV-blocking lenses. Enhancement-tinted lenses did show a decrease in transmittance at certain wavelengths on the visible spectrum, but they did not reduce the transmittance of UV radiation to the extent of the UV-blocking lenses designed specifically for this purpose.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic* / standards*
  • Disposable Equipment*
  • Eye / radiation effects
  • Eye Burns / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Radiation Protection / standards*
  • Spectrophotometry
  • Ultraviolet Rays*