Nathan Klein O.D.
Expert Contact Lens Specialist
Eye Surgeons & Consultants
4651 Sheridan Street,
Suite #100
Hollywood, FL 33021
(954) 894-1500
FDA approved photochromic contact lenses are another important step to help protect you from the harmful effects of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet light rays as well as it’s blue light emissions. With more than 42 million Americans wearing contact lenses, this development could potentially shake up relative market shares for the myriad of contact lenses that currently saturate the market. Just as with the Transitions ophthalmic lenses, these contact lenses contain special patented photochromic dyes that cause the lens to activate, or darken, when exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. When the UV light diminishes, the lenses fade back. As light conditions change, the level of tint adjusts, offering the right tint at the right time. Very importantly, these UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. We are all keenly aware of the far higher incidence of eyelid cancers, pingueculas, and pterygium from increased UV sun exposure, particularly as one approaches the equator. Naturally, the newly approved photochromic contact lenses would not offer protection from these ocular maladies.
If one is wearing contact lenses outdoors, during daylight hours, even when opting for the newly approved Johnson & Johnson Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology, it remains of paramount importance to wear sunglass protection with UV-400 blocker and polarization to greatly minimize the risk of developing drusen, macular degeneration, or ocular melanomas. The photochromic contact lenses will certainly offer more protection than wearing contact lenses with zero protection, however, for all of us living in South Florida, maximizing protection from the harmful UV and HEV (high energy visible) light rays is key.
