Taking Care of Those Eyes
As a responsible tanner--indoors and outdoors--you must remember to take care
of your eyes. While many people view eyewear as a means to make a fashion
statement, the simple truth is eyewear originally was developed to protect eyes from the rays of the sun and flying debris.
However, because eyewear has become a staple of the fashion world, many forget that potential damage from excessive ultraviolet light exposure to the eyes can result in serious injury and permanent damage.
Let's face the facts—eye damage is cumulative. Do you recall when our grammar school teachers extolled the dangers of looking directly into a solar eclipse? Well, believe it or not, they knew what they were talking about. Not only can direct sunlight cause harm, but did you know that reflective ultraviolet rays from sand and snow also can damage your eyes?
Your tanning salon professional reminds you to wear protective goggles or disposable eyewear for a reason. And although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires you to wear them while you are in a tanning bed, your common sense should be screaming that message loud and clear.
The following information should help you understand the facts about tanning and your eyes:
· Eyelids will not tan, they will burn.
· Ultraviolet damage is cumulative.
· Closing your eyes does not protect them from potential ultraviolet damage.
· The short-term health risk is a corneal burn, which is a sunburn on the surface of the eye. These burns show up within a few hours of overexposure and are characterized by increased sensitivity, a burning sensation and excessive tearing. The effects apparently are temporary and usually disappear within a day or so.
· The long-term health risk includes brunescent cataracts, which is a clouding or a pigmentation of the lens within the eye. They are slow to develop, usually occurring over a matter of years, but they are permanent. The clouding affects night vision and also can alter perception of color.
Unfortunately, cataract surgery is the only known cure. Whether you are skiing down the slopes of Telluride, lounging on the beach in St. Thomas or catching 15 minutes of tanning at a tanning salon, you must protect your eyes--they are the only ones you have.
Protecting Your Eyes
The retina is the area at the back of the eye upon which the cornea, or lens, focuses light and images to allow sight. The retina is made up of rods and cones, which are light sensitive structures. Cones differentiate color; rods detect light and dark.
Tanning beds typically emit varying levels of Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) during the tanning process. Excessive exposure to UVB can damage the cornea, while excessive UVA can damage the retina.. Another potential risk of unprotected eyes during tanning involves burnescent cataracts, which cannot be removed by cataract surgery. Burnescent cataracts reduce the
passage of all light entering the eye. Reduced night vision may be the first sign of this type of eye damage.
What Eyewear is Compliant?
What is the best way to determine if a particular pair of eyewear transmits less ultraviolet than the government limits allow? First, look for packaging claims that certify that the product is in compliance with 21 CFR 1040.20. If the package does not state the products compliance, contact the manufacturer for the data proving the compliance. If you can’t tell who the manufacturer is or if the manufacturer fails to satisfy your request for test information, dispose of the questionable eyewear and replace it with a product that is compliant.
It’s the Law
In the United States, the law requires that indoor tanning eyewear transmit less than 0.1 percent of UVB, and less than 1 percent of UVA as proved in carefully controlled tests.
Eyesight is Priceless
Because of the negative affects of ultraviolet on the eyes, the governments of the United States, Canada, and England now require by law that all users of indoor tanning salons use specific protective eyewear while tanning. Specifically, in the United States, provisions of the Federal Regulation 21 CFR 1040.20, which is enforced by the Food and Drug Administration, mandate that all indoor tanners must wear protective eyewear.
Ladies Tan-N-Tone
1320 Chillicothe Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
740-355-1700
Contact lenses and tanning beds...
Contacts should never be worn during tanning, as UV light can cause a suction and heating to the lens on the eye, making it nearly impossible to remove the lens without a doctor and can cause damage to your eye.
Age reduction lotions...
Ask our staff how you can help reduce the aging effects of tanning by choosing a quality, hydrating lotion.