When it comes to protecting your eyes in a tanning bed, closing your lids doesn’t even come close to getting the job done. Simply closing your eyes in a tanning bed will not be enough to protect them from the potential optic damages caused by UV light exposure. Although you might be trying to avoid uneven tan coverage, or the “raccoon-eye” look, wearing any form of eye protection is vital to the overall health and function of your optical sensors, visual cortex, and sight.
Continue reading to learn why you must wear eye protection in the tanning bed.
Eye Protection From UV Light and Heat
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 popular brand is called Wink-ease®.
Why is it so vital to cover your eyes while tanning?
? Your eyes can get sunburnt just like 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 eye wear to damage 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, and 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/or spreading contagious eye infections. For this reason, sharing eye wear 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,
? 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 important 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.
Your Favorite Indianapolis Tanning Salon
Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 to learn about our high-quality affordable indoor tanning and air brush spray tanning services. Our neighborhood Indianapolis tanning salon is conveniently located right near Broad Ripple Village, and our tanning consultants are standing by to customize the perfect tanning course for you! Call 317-257-8262 to request a free estimate or information, today.
