14 DAY TRIAL // Being exposed to increased amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emanating from the Sun was linked a long time ago to a host of damages that could come to the human eye. According to ophthalmologists, the cornea, conjunctiva and lens of the eye have a great deal to suffer from prolonged exposure to this type of light. Cataract is one of the most direct consequences of working in bright sunlight, and the incidence of this disease is believed to be on the rise around the world. The only defense against these ill effects is wearing caps and sunglasses, but this can be cumbersome at times.
That is one of the main reasons why experts at the Ohio State University (OSU) College of Optometry announce the development of a new type of contact lens, one that can also protect the eye from UV radiation. The paper detailing the innovation is called “Prevention of UV-Induced Damage to the Anterior Segment Using Class I UV Absorbing Hydrogel Contact Lenses,” and appears in the latest issue of the respected scientific journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
“Unfortunately, people are generally unaware of when their eyes are at greatest risk for damage from UV exposure. This research involving UV-absorbing contact lenses can provide another option for protection against the detrimental changes caused by UV,” scientist Heather Chandler, PhD, who is a vision researcher at the university's College of Optometry, explains. The investigation, she adds, was conducted on rabbits. The unfortunate animals were exposed to the equivalent of more than 16 hours' worth of bright sunlight, enough to promote the development of corneal changes and damage.
It was shown that the rabbits that were given the UV-absorbing contact lenses (Senofilcon A) experienced no side-effect from this dangerous level of ultraviolet exposure. “Not all contact lenses offer UV protection, and, of those that do, not all provide similar absorption levels. This research will help patients and doctors consider appropriate UV-blocking contact lenses for those who need vision correction, to fill in some of the UV blocking gaps left by more traditional means. The data generated from this study could support the use of UV-absorbing contact lenses and greatly impact the health of a large number of people,” Chandler concludes, quoted by PhysOrg.