UV-Blocking Contact Lenses

UV-blocking contact lenses can start at about $0.14 per day, based on the products shown in this table. Prices can go higher depending on the brand, replacement schedule, material, prescription type, and box size.

One day, UV-blocking contacts usually cost more per day because each pair is thrown away after one use. Two-week and monthly lenses can cost less per day, but they also need cleaning solution, a lens case, and proper storage.

To compare options, check the table below for cost per day, replacement schedule, manufacturer, lens material, water content, UV blocking, package size, supply length, and customer rating.

No. UV-blocking contacts do not replace sunglasses. Contact lenses cover the cornea, but they don't cover the whole eye area, eyelids, or surrounding skin.

For fuller sun coverage, wear UV-blocking contacts with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. A hat or visor can also help reduce sunlight exposure around the eyes.

UV blocking is a useful lens feature, but the contact still has to match your prescription. Don't switch to a UV-blocking lens without your eye doctor's approval.

UV-protection contact lenses reduce the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that passes through the portion of the eye covered by each lens, but they don't cover the eyelids, surrounding skin, or the full eye surface. That's why they work best with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.

The two main UV-blocking categories are:

• Class 1 UV blocking: Blocks at least 90% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays
• Class 2 UV blocking: Blocks at least 70% of UVA rays and 95% of UVB rays

Class 1 lenses block a higher percentage of UV rays through the contact lens area. Class 2 lenses block less than Class 1 lenses, but they still add UV coverage when the lens is worn as prescribed.

UV-blocking contacts can also come with other lens features, depending on the product:

• Silicone hydrogel material for higher oxygen flow
• One day, two-week, or monthly replacement schedules
• Toric designs for astigmatism
• Multifocal designs for presbyopia
• Moisture-focused lens designs
• Visibility tint for easier handling

Start with the lens your eye doctor prescribed, then check whether that product has UV-blocking features. UV protection is useful, but the lens still needs to match your brand, power, base curve, diameter, and replacement schedule.

UV-blocking contact lenses are often grouped into Class 1 or Class 2 based on how much UVA and UVB radiation they block.

Class 1 UV-Blocking Contacts

Class 1 UV-blocking contacts block a higher percentage of UVA and UVB rays than Class 2 lenses. They're often found in lenses made for wearers who want stronger UV blocking in a contact lens.

Class 1 still doesn't replace sunglasses. The lens covers only part of the eye area.

Class 2 UV-Blocking Contacts

Class 2 UV-blocking contacts block less UV radiation than Class 1 lenses, but they still add UV-blocking protection through the contact lens area.

Many common prescription contacts fall into this class. Check the product details if UV class is part of your decision.

Which UV Class Should You Choose?

Choose the UV-blocking contact lens your eye doctor prescribed. UV class is only one feature. Fit, material, oxygen flow, prescription type, comfort, and replacement schedule all affect which lens works for your eyes.

Popular UV-blocking contact lenses come in different brands, materials, and replacement schedules. Some are one day lenses, while others follow a two-week or monthly schedule. Start with the exact lens your eye doctor prescribed, then check whether that product includes UV-blocking features.

ACUVUE

Many ACUVUE contacts include UV blocking, with one day, two-week, toric, and multifocal options. ACUVUE OASYS, 1-Day ACUVUE MOIST, and ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe are common names wearers look for when shopping for UV-blocking contacts.

Check the full product name before ordering. ACUVUE has several lens families, and each one can have a different material, replacement schedule, box count, and UV class.

Clariti

Clariti includes one day silicone hydrogel contacts with UV blocking. The line has lenses for standard vision correction, astigmatism, and presbyopia, depending on the prescription.

These can suit wearers who want one day contacts with silicone hydrogel material and UV-blocking features.

Avaira Vitality

Avaira Vitality contacts are reusable silicone hydrogel lenses with UV blocking. They come in spherical and toric designs, so wearers with astigmatism should look for the toric version listed on their prescription.

Since these are reusable lenses, they need cleaning, fresh solution, and storage after each wear.

Biotrue ONEday

Biotrue ONEday contacts are one day lenses with UV blocking. They're worn once, then thrown away after removal.

This lens family includes choices for standard vision correction and presbyopia. If your prescription includes add power, choose the multifocal version written by your eye doctor.

MyDay

MyDay contacts are one day silicone hydrogel lenses with UV blocking. Some MyDay products are made for standard prescriptions, while others are made for astigmatism or multifocal wear.

Match the exact product name on your prescription before choosing a box size. A standard MyDay lens won't replace a toric or multifocal prescription.

UV-blocking contacts can fit many outdoor routines, from daily commutes to weekend sports. They're also available in different prescription types, so wearers with astigmatism or presbyopia don't have to assume UV-blocking lenses are only for basic prescriptions.

Driving and Long Commutes

UV-blocking contacts can add coverage through the part of the eye covered by the lens during daytime driving. This can be helpful on long commutes, road trips, and bright days when sunlight reflects off pavement, windshields, or nearby cars.

They don't replace sunglasses, especially behind the wheel. Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays still help cover the eyelids, surrounding skin, and parts of the eye that contacts don't cover.

Outdoor Sports and Active Days

For outdoor sports, UV-blocking contacts can give you prescription vision without glasses frames getting in the way. They can work well for running, cycling, hiking, golf, tennis, and other outdoor activities.

Remove contacts before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Water exposure can raise the risk of eye infection, even when the lenses have UV-blocking features.

Astigmatism

Some UV-blocking contacts come in toric designs for astigmatism. These lenses use cylinder and axis values to correct uneven curvature in the eye.

If your prescription includes cylinder and axis, choose the toric version of the UV-blocking lens your eye doctor prescribed. A standard spherical lens won't match an astigmatism prescription.

Presbyopia

Some UV-blocking contacts come in multifocal designs for presbyopia. These lenses help with near and distance vision in one lens.

If your prescription includes add power, match that value before ordering. Some brands use low, medium, or high add labels, so check the wording on your prescription carefully.