Shocking Reasons Why You Need Eye Protection in Tanning Beds

Is closing your eyes your 'go-to' method of eye protection in a tanning bed? If so, you in for the shocking truth. Closing your eyes while tanning indoors is not enough to protect them from the potential optic damages caused by UV light exposure. Although you fear the "raccoon eye" look, wearing some form of eye protection is vital to the overall health and function of one of your most cherished senses: sight. Continue reading to learn the top 8 most shocking reasons why you should always wear eye protection in the tanning bed.


Protecting Your Eyes While Tanning
Almost all tanning salons sell little strapless eye goggles that are so tiny and thin; they will not leave behind traces of tanning lines. Some salons may provide them for free upon request, but if not, they are very cheap to purchase. If you are a regular tanner, then goggles may produce the 'white lid look,' in which case, you can opt for eye stickers instead. Many tanning salons sell these as little as $1 for a set, and they fold up into cones and rest perfectly on top of your eyelids. These reduce the look of tan lines and still adequately protect your eyes from UV damage. A favorite brand is called Wink-ease.

Here are some reasons that explain the importance of protecting your eyes while tanning:

• Your eyes can get sunburnt just like your skin can! Burnt eyes will cause short-term eye damage for days at a time, such as itchiness, redness, and excessive watering.

• It only takes one tanning session with eyewear to hurt your eyes. If you think you don't tan often enough to need eye protection, you're wrong!

• Your eyelids only block out 25 % of the damaging UV light exposure in a tanning bed. And this is not enough to protect them.

There are two common types of eye sunburns:
1) Photokeratitis
2) Basal Cell Carcinoma.
The first is a temporary but painful corneal burn that causes tearing and blurring for days at a time. The second damages delicate eye tissue, causing swelling and redness in and around the eyes.

• Non-disposable eye protection should be cleaned and sanitized after every use, or you are at risk of contracting and spreading contagious eye infections. For this reason, sharing eyewear is not recommended.

• Repeated UV light exposure without eye protection can cause long-term, and even irreversible, damages to eyes. Examples include diminished color reception, reduced night vision, and cataracts.

• Repeated exposure also makes you more prone to developing a cataract. This can cause extreme pain and even blindness. The only treatment for cataracts is invasive surgery, and there's always a risk with that too.

One of the most critical ways to protect yourself when using a tanning bed is to wear eye protection. Talk to your tanning salon about options for eye protection, and advice for safe tanning.

There you have it, why it is paramount to protect those lovely eyes during Tan sessions, I hope this article helps.