Do GP lenses provide total UV protection when UV blockers are used?

Do GP lenses provide total UV protection when UV blockers are used?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if a secondary coating is applied
• D. It depends on the lens brand

Answer: (B)

UV protection from gas permeable lenses is partial, not complete. Lenses with UV-blocking additives can significantly reduce UV reaching the cornea, especially UV-B and some UV-A, but they do not block every ray. UV can still reach the eye from angles around the lens, and some wavelengths may slip through the material depending on the specific product. The lids and surrounding tissues aren’t covered by the lens, so exposure isn’t entirely eliminated. Because attenuation varies by material and even the best blockers don’t provide perfect shielding, you can’t rely on the lens alone for total UV protection. The safest approach is to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection (and proper fit) in addition to GP lenses.

UV protection from gas permeable lenses is partial, not complete. Lenses with UV-blocking additives can significantly reduce UV reaching the cornea, especially UV-B and some UV-A, but they do not block every ray. UV can still reach the eye from angles around the lens, and some wavelengths may slip through the material depending on the specific product. The lids and surrounding tissues aren’t covered by the lens, so exposure isn’t entirely eliminated. Because attenuation varies by material and even the best blockers don’t provide perfect shielding, you can’t rely on the lens alone for total UV protection. The safest approach is to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection (and proper fit) in addition to GP lenses.