UV-blocking CLs linked to healthy macula

UV-blocking contact lenses may play a role in maintaining macular pigment optical density, according to new research presented at the BCLA conference.

Lead author Professor James Wolffsohn of Aston University described a retrospective study of 40 pre-presbyopic patients aged 18-35 years who had worn contact lenses for at least five years. Twenty wore UV-blocking contact lenses and 20 matched controls wore lenses with minimal UV-blocking.

Macular pigment levels were significantly greater in eyes that had worn the UV-blocking lenses, on average 23 per cent higher. These wearers also showed a consistently faster accommodative response although this difference was not statistically significant.