Should I Wear Sunglasses With Contact Lenses?

It’s a question that comes up all the time: “If my contact lenses have UV protection, do I still need to wear sunglasses?” The short answer? Yes, you absolutely do — and here’s why.

UV doesn’t just affect skin

The sun’s rays can be tough on the skin, but they can also affect our eyes. UV radiation comes in two main forms: UVA and UVB. While UVA rays penetrate more deeply and are linked to age-related eye conditions, UVB rays are typically associated with sunburn and more immediate exposure-related issues.

Long-term exposure to UV rays has been linked as a contributor to the development of various eye conditions, including:

• cataracts – clouding of the eye’s natural lens
• macular degeneration – irreversible damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision
• photokeratitis – ‘sunburn’ of the eye, which can cause temporary pain and discomfort

These risks don’t disappear on cloudy days. UV rays can still reach your eyes even when the sun isn’t visible. That’s why eye protection matters year-round.

Contact lenses and UV protection

Many modern contact lenses have built-in UV-blocking technology. These help filter out UVA and UVB rays, protecting the cornea at the front of the eye.

But here’s the catch: UV contact lenses don’t provide full coverage. They only sit on the central part of your eye, leaving most of the whites of your eye, eyelids, and the surrounding delicate skin still exposed to the sun. So, even if your lenses do their part, they’re not designed to protect you fully from UV exposure and damage.

Why UV protection sunglasses still matter

Sunglasses do more than just complete your outfit – a high-quality pair will cover the whole eye area, blocking UV rays from angles that contact lenses simply can’t. Look for shades labelled with UV400, the CE mark or BS EN ISO 12312-1, which you’ll find at your trusted opticians – these block all UVA and UVB rays.

Not only do sunnies help with sun protection, but they can also help cut down on glare, which makes being outdoors more comfortable. Plus, they offer a barrier against wind, dust, and airborne debris, which contact lens wearers know can be a real nuisance.

Pair up for protection

Together, UV contact lenses and UV protection sunglasses offer the ultimate combo: clear, comfortable vision with all-around defence against UV rays. So, whatever you’re doing, double up and keep your eyes safe in style.

Explore our full range of contact lenses to pair with your favourite shades now.