Protect Your Eyes Whilst Indoor Tanning

By Author: Brittany Jackson
Total Articles: 8
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Although most of us have skin that tan in a nice, even way; our eyes are not the same - that's why we say it's very important to always wear eye protection whilst indoor tanning.

Your eyelids are not thick enough to protect your eyes on their own and do not effectively block light while indoor tanning. Also, because your eyelids are so thin and do not produce any melanin, they are not able to tan anyway so don't even try! The intensity of lights used in indoor tanning is much greater and more damaging to the eyes than natural sunlight. That's why it is so important to wear protective eye wear (goggles) provided to be worn at all times in the tanning beds.

Even though you will be wearing your protective eye wear whilst indoor tanning, having your eyes open or closed also can make a big difference.

Your eyes are better off staying closed. Remember to not force them closed (relaxed close) to prevent squinting and potential squint tan lines. Do not use this as an excuse to use no protection. It is a necessary barrier. Our eyelids are our thinnest skin, that's why we recommend you to wear protective ...
... eye wear (goggles) for your own protection.

Believe it or not even short periods of eye exposure to UV light could lead to both temporary and long term damage.

Make sure your eye wear fits your eyes properly with no light shining through. It is also very important that goggles are fully sanitized between every use. Never remove your eye wear during your sessions. If you are worried about getting 'raccoon eyes' just make sure goggles are resting lightly and not too tight. Standup booths require elastics in conjunction with goggles to keep them in place while standing. Elastics are 100% adjustable from either side, so be sure to adjust them properly prior to starting your stand up session.

Too much UV exposure can permanently harm and damage the Retina (back of the eye) of our eyes. It can also burn the Cornea (front of the eye); over many years repeated exposure can change the structure of the Lens which begins to cloud forming a Cataract. If Cataracts is left untreated it will cause blindness.

Left unprotected, you may experience one or more of the following:

Bad night vision
Loss of color perception
Macular degeneration (blindness in all but peripheral vision)
Cataracts
Plerygium (tissue build up which is caused by frequent aggravation of the outer eye tissue)

YOU SHOULD NEVER EXPOSE YOUR EYES TO ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT FROM SUN BEDS. FDA approved eye wear is required while indoor tanning so always make that your eyes are being protected. Sunglasses, towels and other items do not protect your eyes like the eye wear designed for tanning beds. Approved eye wear blocks almost 100% of UV rays. Be safe; always wear your eye wear. If your current tanning salon doesn't offer sanitized protective eye wear free of charge, find one that does.
There are many different tanning salons to choose from. Before your next indoor tanning session make sure that your salon is following professional guidelines.