Closing Your Eyes Isn't Enough The UV light in tanning beds is so strong that even closing your eyes during a tanning session won't protect them. A few of the eye health problems that can result from indoor tanning are cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye, sunburn, and blurry vision.
Will closing my eyes protect them? To put it bluntly, no. Your eyelid skin is much thinner than the rest of your body only providing the equivalent of SPF 5 protection to your eyes and will only block up to 25% of UV rays.
Merely closing the eyes while on the sunbed does not offer full protection, experts advise. UV damage caused by sunbed lamps can cause long-term damage and growths in the eyes, as well as skin cancer. The college recommends people wear the goggles or ``winkies'' provided by tanning salons.
UV-B rays can create more vision issues than UV-A rays over time. All of these issues can arise even if you keep your eyes closed when outside. Our eyelids let in visible light (when you close your eyes, you can still tell if the sun is out or if a light is on), so they also let in UV rays.
A lot of people don't realize how important it actually is to wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. UV light rays penetrate even through your eyelids, so proper eye protections is always needed. The good thing is that proper eye protection is very affordable...
By subjecting the eyes to UV light, eye problems can occur no matter if your eyes are open or closed. These potential issues may include photokeratitis, macular degeneration, cataracts, blurry vision, and even dry eye. Let's get deeper into each of these eye health issues and how tanning beds can play a role.
You can use a disposable paper face mask or a reusable cloth face mask to cover your face while tanning. Make sure whatever you're using is clean and free of any makeup or oils, as these can create a barrier between your skin and the UV rays.
Harmful UV Rays Are More Powerful
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun. This can cause severe damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids.
Long-term consequences can result in serious vision threatening eye conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration. After exposure, symptoms appear within eight to 24 hours. Similar to burning your skin, you can experience a wide range of symptoms with an eye sunburn.
If you happen to stare at the sun when the UV index is higher, you may suffer from different eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (sunburned cornea), solar retinopathy (retina burn), and pinguecula or pterygium which affects the sclera or the white part of the eye.
I used to skip eye protection when I was younger, thinking tan lines looked silly. Now I know better. Fortunately, there are options that prevent “raccoon eyes.” Slim tanning goggles offer protection without the lines. Also, disposable eye stickers, like Wink-ease, are another great choice.
If you thought you were safe getting that year-round summer glow by hitting the tanning salon, think again. Dr. Ganz warns that tanning beds are actually more dangerous than the sun. They are so harmful that the World Health Organization has classified tanning beds as a carcinogen.
Sun gazing with eyes closed periodically may be helpful to beginners. Look into the sun only during sunrise or sunset while the UV index is lower. Sun gazing in the middle of the day can cause major retinal damage. Relax and blink your eyes as much as you need to.
Many of our clients frequently use their phones whilst lying on a sunbed whilst still wearing the sunbed goggles. In the short term this is ok to do but the temperature, humidity and frequencies emitted by the beds may possibly cause damage to the electronics of your phone.
Sunbeds emit dangerous and powerful UV rays which cause the skin to tan -or burn- and can cause similar damage to the eyes. Exposure to high levels of UV light can cause: Pterygium – benign growths on the eye.
The duration of your session depends on your skin type and tanning experience. Beginners should start with 5-7 minute sessions and gradually increase the time as their skin builds tolerance.
Photokeratitis is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, most commonly from the sun. You can compare photokeratitis to sunburn, but it's a burn that affects parts of your eye instead of your skin. It's generally bilateral (affects both eyes).
In particular, older sunglasses may not be as effective as you think. Most sunglasses today have UV protection embedded in the lens rather than coated over it, and most reputable brands list UV protection on their label. Look for a label that says either of these two things: 100% protection against both UVA and UVB.
Sun damage to the eyes is reversible in many cases. Your eyes can heal, but it depends on your eye condition and symptoms. If you develop an increase in eye tissues or if you get sunburned eyes, your conditions may be temporary. You may not even need to see an eye doctor.
Closing Your Eyes Isn't Enough
The UV light in tanning beds is so strong that even closing your eyes during a tanning session won't protect them. A few of the eye health problems that can result from indoor tanning are cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye, sunburn, and blurry vision.
UV light is damaging to almost ALL ocular structures including the eyelid. In general, it is best to avoid outdoor activities between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when sunlight is strongest. One can even get sunburn on a foggy day.
Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.
☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .