Full UV protection in clear ZEISS lenses¹

Did you know that UV radiation can severely damage our eyes? Outdoors, UV radiation is all around. All year round, at any time of day, in sunny conditions or even on cloudy days. While clothes and sunscreen can protect our skin, the only way to shield our eyes from UV radiation is to wear lenses with UV protection. Sunglasses usually protect against UV, but many spectacle lens wearers either don’t own sunglasses or don’t bother to switch all the time.2

Conventional clear spectacle lenses don’t fully block UV rays with wavelengths of up to 400 nm. As a result, UV radiation is transmitted through the lens and could harm your eyes and the surrounding skin. That’s why our clear ZEISS lenses feature innovative UVProtect Technology.

UV radiation has a very high energy level. Without the right level of UV protection, depending on their type, the sun’s rays can damage our skin and our eyes in different ways.

UVA and UVB – both types can be harmful.

UV radiation that reaches the earth at sea level is classified in two basic types: UVA and UVB radiation. UVA rays (in the wavelength range of 315 to 400 nm) and UVB rays (between 280 and 315 nm) can both severely damage our skin and our eyes with immediate effect but long-term as well. This ranges from eyelid sunburn, conjunctivitis and photokeratitis to premature skin aging or Pterygium, a tissue growth on the conjunctiva. Excessive UV radiation can lead to skin cancer of the eyelid and may contribute to the onset of cataracts.

What UV protection is recommended against UVA and UVB rays?

Health organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other important bodies in the medical field strongly recommend protecting against UV radiation, which is defined as radiation up to 400 nm.3 In 2018, ZEISS began setting new standards by incorporating full UV protection up to 400 nm into ZEISS clear lenses! Thanks to innovative ZEISS technology, our “everyday lenses” offer the same UV protection as top-quality sunglasses – thus ensuring maximum safety and exceptional vision all year round.

UVC radiation is blocked by the ozone layer.

UVC is extreme short-wave UV radiation (in the wavelength range of 100 to 280 nm). This kind of radiation could cause serious immediate damage. Fortunately, you don’t need to take special precautions as the ozone layer absorbs it completely. But It may be used in an artificial form as a disinfectant and can lead to skin redness and painful eye inflammation in high doses.

Our recommendation: Don’t take any risks when it comes to your eye health! Ensure you’re wearing lenses with full UV protection during the day, no matter what the season. Both sunglasses and day-to-day lenses should be able to filter UV radiation with wavelengths of up to 400 nm so as to eliminate the risk of eye damage. We will be pleased to assist you.