Eye protection for ultraviolet B phototherapy and psoralen ultraviolet A patients

Abstract

UV transmission for sunglasses and contact lenses is lower compared with samples tested 10 years ago. All samples of glasses, goggles and visors tested provided adequate protection in the UV range according to published arbitrary limits of acceptability. Most contact lenses did not provide significant UV protection in the UVA range.

British Association of Dermatologists and British Photodermatology Group guidelines for the safe and effective use of psoralen–ultraviolet A therapy 2015

“…Protective eyewear should be of sufficient size to reduce peripheral UV exposure, and additional side protection is recommended. Most contact lenses have little or no UVA protection and are not recommended …”

Implications of In-Use Photostability: Proposed Guidance for Photostability Testing and Labeling to Support the Administration of Photosensitive Pharmaceutical Products, Part 2: Topical Drug Product

“…As discussed in Part 1, risk mitigation strategies could involve inclusion of label language, detailed product usage instructions, or including additional items (e.g., light protective covering for application site) with the product in a combination pack to ensure successful products usage. For topical products, the label or patient information may also involve advice to patients to limit skin exposure to sunlight and/or to cover treated areas with clothing or to wear sunscreen and eye protection …”

UVB‐protective properties of contact lenses with intended use in photoresponsive eyelid dermatoses

“…Less than 1% of UVR is transmitted to the retina in the phakic eye, but only a small amount of radiation may cause retinal damage . While Pitts states that more data are needed to determine retinal action spectrum, he states that damage from UVB and UVA radiation in aphakes can be prevented with the use of UV‐absorptive lenses .…”