The world of surfing is a thrilling blend of skill, strategy, and raw power. It's a sport that demands precision, focus, and the ability to react instantly to the ever-changing wave conditions. But for surfers to truly excel, their vision must be as sharp and dynamic as the waves they ride. That's where ALTIUS® steps in.

ALTIUS® Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses are engineered with proprietary Light Architecture™ Technology—designed for both performance vision and light sensitivity. They offer groundbreaking solutions for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals seeking optimized visual comfort and clarity, whether or not they wear a vision correction. For surfers, ALTIUS® Lenses provide a distinct advantage by enhancing contrast, reducing glare, and filtering harsh light in high-exposure environments.

Surfing continues to rise in popularity, with participation in the U.S. reaching nearly four million surfers in 2023 1. As the sport surges, ALTIUS® is proud to ride that wave—partnering with USA Surfing to support athletes who demand the best from their vision in the most dynamic environments.

ALTIUS® and the USA Surfing: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

USA Surfing, the official ISA-recognized National Governing Body for surfing in the United States, embodies the spirit of innovation, dedication, and inclusivity. Their mission to empower future generations of champions and elevate surfing on the Olympic stage aligns perfectly with ALTIUS®’s commitment to peak human performance—making this sponsorship a powerful expression of shared vision and excellence.

ALTIUS® is proud to partner with USA Surfing—a community of elite athletes who redefine what’s possible on the waves. As the sport continues to evolve, ALTIUS® is dedicated to delivering best-in-class vision solutions that help surfers stay focused, adapt faster, and perform at their highest level.

Why Surfers Choose ALTIUS®

• 360-Degree Total Tint Immersion
  ALTIUS® Lenses provide a fully tinted visual experience—eliminating all peripheral light leakage and visual field interference inherent with eyewear, to provide total uninterrupted visual clarity.
• 100% UV Blocking
  ALTIUS® Lenses filter out 100% of UV radiation, helping protect eyes from sun-induced damage, which is linked to pterygium (often referred to as “Surfer’s Eye”).
• >99% Blue Light Blocking
  Designed to filter high-energy harsh visible light at the peak sensitivity of ipRGCs (~480nm), reducing visual strain and overstimulation that can affect comfort and focus.
• Anti-Glare Properties
  Reduces glare from water and sky—enhancing visual comfort and contrast in high-glare environments.
• Tint Options
  ALTIUS® Lenses are available in two performance tints: Amber and Grey-Green. While both offer full-spectrum protection, the Grey-Green tint is our top recommendation for surfing—engineered to reduce glare, enhance visual comfort, and provide a calming visual tone in bright sun and reflective water environments.

Vision That Keeps Up with the Waves

Daily Disposable Solution
ALTIUS® Lenses are single-use offering fresh, clean lenses for each wear—a healthier and safer solution to maintain comfortable and clear vision on the surf.  Unlike sunglasses, they won’t slip, be compromised by water splash, or obstruct peripheral vision.

Real-World Experience
Internal patient surveys and observational data indicate that ALTIUS® users experience improved visual comfort, reduced glare sensitivity, and better functional performance in challenging environments like water sports.

For Most Water Sports
Whether you're surfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or playing water polo—ALTIUS® Lenses are the vision upgrade you've been waiting for.

Surfer’s Eye: Preventive Vision Care

Pterygium—often referred to as “Surfer’s Eye”—is linked to prolonged UV exposure. ALTIUS® Lenses provide full UV protection and may help reduce the risk of developing this sun-related ocular condition, offering surfers both performance and potential long-term eye health benefits.

As Karl Citek, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO, notes:

“Contact lenses can provide vision correction to individuals in situations where they cannot or should not wear spectacles or swim goggles. When participating in water activities, the best defense to exposure to excessive brightness, glare, and UV radiation is provided by a tinted contact lens with UV protection. Proper selection of contact lens type and subsequent hygiene and care are essential to allowing the lenses to function as intended to improve the wearer’s vision and, more importantly, to keep the wearer’s eyes safe.”

With ALTIUS®, surfers don’t have to choose between elite performance and potential long-term protection—they get both.

Make ALTIUS® Part of Your Water Routine

Protecting your eyes is just as vital as shielding your skin. Make ALTIUS® a staple in your surf gear for elite performance, eye protection, and elevated visual comfort in every wave you ride.

Interested to learn more about ALTIUS®?

Subscribe 

⚠️ Important Water Safety Notice

Water exposure while wearing contact lenses may increase the risk of serious eye infections. Use at your own risk. Always consult your eye care professional before using lenses for water activities.

Tips for Safer Use:

• Always use fresh lenses before water activities.

• Remove and discard lenses immediately after your session.

• Never sleep in your lenses or extend wear beyond a single day.

• Schedule regular checkups with your eye care provider.

References:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/191328/participants-in-surfing-in-the-us-since-2006/#statisticContainer

Use of Single-Use Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses During Water Activities Karl Citek, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO January 2024 https://altiusvision.com/wp-content/uploads/Water-Sports-and-ALTIUS-10Jan2024-1.pdf