Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_uv-blocking-contact-lenses-can-protect-eyes-from-sun-damage_1339946

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science reports study done by vision researcher Heather Chandler, from OhioStateUniversity's College of Optometry that UV-blocking contact lenses can reduce or eliminate the effects of the sun's harmful UV radiation. For the study, researchers exposed rabbits daily to the equivalent of about 16 hours of exposure to sunlight in humans - enough to induce UV-associated corneal changes.

The rabbits that wore UV-absorbing contact lenses (Senofilcon A) were not affected by the UV exposure. Chandler said wearing sunglasses or hats may not provide enough protection from the sun, and adding adequate UV protection to contact lenses may be a practical solution to the problems caused by too much exposure.

She also said that since this study focused exclusively on acute UV exposure, further long-term studies are needed to determine the efficiency of wearing the UV-absorbing contacts over a longer time period.