Tanning Beds and Eye Safety – Is there a link?

With summer here, you may be considering working on your tan. Whether you like to tan outside in the sun’s natural rays or inside in a tanning bed, your eyes require UV (ultraviolet) radiation protection. Although we frequently close our eyes when tanning, our eyelids do not provide adequate UV protection.

Tanning beds and eye safety is a topic with a lot of misconceptions. Unbeknownst to us, UV rays can travel past our eyelids and harm our eyes. Furthermore, our eyelids, like any other skin on our body, can burn.

But this does not mean that you have to stop thinking about a nice summer tan. In collaboration with our experts, we have curated an ultimate guide on tanning beds and eye safety for you.

Most Common Effects of tanning beds on eyes

The first thing we need to address while talking about tanning beds is the adverse effects of tanning. The UV rays can cause several adverse effects on the eyes like:

Cataracts

Cataracts, the most common cause of treatable blindness, can be caused due to the damage inflicted by UV rays in tanning beds as they can harm the internal structures of the eye, leading to the clouding of the lens.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a primary cause of vision loss in adults over 60. Cumulative UV rays damage the central section of the retina, causing macular degeneration.

Keratitis

Keratitis, often known as corneal sunburn, is a painful burning of the cornea, which is the transparent surface that allows light and pictures to enter the retina.

Conjunctival malignancies

Once uncommon, these eye malignancies are becoming more common, particularly among the elderly. The increase has been directly linked to increased use of tanning beds and eye safety concerns being sidelined by people.

Effect on eyelids

If your knowledge of tanning beds and eye safety is like most people, you’ve probably never considered eyelid skin cancer. You might be surprised to know that various forms of cancer occur on the eyelid. Because the lower lid receives the most sun exposure, it is the site of the majority of eyelid skin malignancies.

Experts on tanning beds and eye safety confirm that eyelid malignancies usually respond favourably to surgery. However, if left untreated, they can be harmful, causing tissue damage and blindness.

How to protect eyes in tanning beds?

All the adverse effects listed above can scare anyone! But we have listed various protective measures to keep your eyes safe while you enjoy a nice summer tan.

Always wear protective goggles

Do not enter the tanning bed without wearing protective eye goggles. If you forget to pack any, you can easily get them at every tanning salon. Purchase a spare pair to keep in your car or purse.

Never tan for longer than recommended

A significant amount of UV rays are involved in tanning beds, and thus you need to ensure that your eyes are being exposed for the shortest possible time.

Put on sunglasses after tanning

Your eyes are more vulnerable to damage when you leave the tanning beds, and eye safety is even more necessary. Continue to safeguard your eyes by wearing sunglasses.

Utilise Eye Drops

Tanning beds expose your eyes to UV rays, making them drier. This can cause redness, itching and burning sensation. You can prevent dry eyes by using eye drops.

Visit Your Eye Care Professional regularly

To prevent an undiagnosed problem from becoming a critical ailment, you should regularly visit your eye care professional because they can detect even the slightest damage to your eye.

What are the benefits of choosing Centre For Sight?

With over 1500 qualified specialists and cutting-edge equipment, Centre For Sight offers the largest eye care network in the country. With our medical expertise and caring staff, we can treat any eye disease. Contact us today or visit our website to receive the care you deserve!

Article: Tanning Beds and Eye Safety – Is there a link?

Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Jun 07 2021 | UPDATED 04:00 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.