UV radiation and the Eye

It has been said that aside from skin, the organ most susceptible to sunlight-induced damage is the eye. In view of this, it can be argued that the optical industry and the eye care professional have an obligation, or at least, an opportunity, to educate the public more widely on the dangers of ocular exposure to UV and how best to achieve protection. This article summarises our understanding of the interaction of UV with ocular tissues, discusses the challenges of achieving adequate protection and finally reviews the role of UV-blocking soft contact lenses in ocular protection.