Background Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been shown to contribute to various ocular disorders, including cataract, pterygium, photokeratitis, and cancers of the conjunctiva and eyelids. Some damage, such as to the cornea, can be reversed as the injured cells can be restored. However, tissues of structures such as the lens and retina can suffer irreversible damage. One in six individuals in the United States wears contact lenses (CL), and it is important these individuals receive maximum protection from UV radiation. Few literature reviews have been performed analyzing the recent evidence comparing various CL brands and materials in terms of their UV-blocking properties as well as synthesizing existing research on how UV-blocking CLs can attenuate damage to ocular structures. The aim of this literature review is thus to provide a critical evaluation of the research in evaluating both in vivo and in vitro studies evaluating the protective effects of UV-blocking CLs against UV-induced ocular damage, compare studies that have evaluated UV transmittance of soft CLs, and discuss the implications of this for ocular health.

Methods PubMed was the primary database used along with Google Scholar. For all search phrases and terms, the only filter that was applied was “Species – Human.” Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published at any point that discussed UV protection in CLs, eye diseases from UV radiation, and properties of specific CLs, such as transmittance in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Exclusion criteria included articles not written in English or articles not clinically relevant to human ocular disorders.

Results Results indicate that incorporation of UV-blocking monomers into CLs help attenuate UV-induced damage to various structures of the eye, from the corneal epithelium and conjunctiva to the retina. These UV-blocking lenses can increase the time a wearer can be exposed to UV light before toxic ocular dosage is reached and prevent formation of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cells, and changes in protein abundance. Multiple studies compared the lotrafilcon B CL material (a non-UV-blocking material) with the senofilcon A material (a UV-blocking polymer).

Conclusion The conclusions of this literature review are that UV-protecting CLs can significantly protect against UV-induced damage in all structures of the eye. Contact lens wearers and eye specialists should keep these results under consideration.