Most people know that using tanning beds have the potential to result in health issues, not only for your skin, but for your eyes. Here at Medial Eye Arts, we value good eye health and aim to keep you as informed as possible. Whether you need an eye exam, or just a pair of stylish glasses we have you covered. Here are some safety tips on how to avoid the dangers that can come from indoor tanning:
High UV Exposure
Although many people recognize that the high UV given off by tanning beds can be dangerous, it is still a popular pastime. Indoor tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun, and this can cause serious damage to the eye internally and externally.
Continuous UV exposure from indoor tanning beds can result in issues such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or even cancer of the uvea. Damage from UV exposure is something that accumulates over time, so it is important to think about protecting your eyes. It is not just UV from tanning beds that people should be worried about. Ophthalmologists recommend wearing absorbent sunglasses and hats to protect your eyes from harmful UV.
Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that simply closing your eyes or placing a towel over them will serve as adequate protection from UV rays. However, the skin on your eyelid is very thin and the UV rays can still penetrate through. Just placing a towel or shirt over your eyes is not enough to keep them sufficiently protected.
Prevention
The easiest way to prevent eye problems that are associated with indoor tanning, is to avoid indoor tanning entirely. However, if for some reason you are not able to resist indoor tanning, always wear the goggles that are provided.
Consider limiting your time in the tanning bed as much as possible and always wear protective eye goggles when UV exposure is a possibility. Polarized lenses are beneficial if you are someone who is going out in the sun frequently.
What UV Exposure Can Do
UV exposure can impact the human body in a number of different ways. UV, also known as ultraviolet light, is a wavelength of light that can not be seen with the human eye and it can be very harmful.
Most people are aware of the damage UV can cause to the skin, but not everyone knows just how damaging it can be to your eye health. This powerful ultraviolet light can cause damage to the cornea resulting in photokeratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal infections, and even skin cancer around the eye. Continuous exposure to UV can also increase your risk of developing cataracts. Photokeratitis is also known as sunburn of the eye and it can include symptoms such as: pain or redness, swelling, light sensitivity, or even temporary loss of vision.
Inside tanning is not the only way that you can damage your eyes, even just stepping outside on a sunny day with no eye protection can be dangerous. So, just keep in mind ways to protect your eyes as the summer sunny days approach.
Eye safety is something that you shouldn’t take lightly. Here at Medical Eye Arts we have all the resources to help your eyes stay as healthy as they can be. Let us help you find the right optics solution.. Contact us today to set up an appointment!