There’s no doubt artificial tanning through the use of “tanning beds” is a big business in the United States–especially in states like Virginia where the colder months prevent sunbathers from venturing outside to catch their 
rays. We know that tanning beds provide significantly more UV (ultra-violet) light than the sun. And we know that UV light can lead to melanomas and other skin cancers. But, the eyes are probably even more susceptible to tanning bed UV light damage than the skin.
Some sources estimate that the UV concentration reaching the eyes is 100 times greater in a tanning bed than from normal sun exposure. Simply closing your eyes or wearing traditional UV blocking sunglasses will do little do block this amount of UV light. The “tanning eyeglasses” provided by the tanning facility will provide a higher level of protection, but the best bet is not to tan at all, given the harmful effects.
One of the most common eye problems caused by tanning bed exposure is photokeratitis. This is akin to a sunburn on the cornea, which is a delicate but extremely important part of the eye’s front surface. Symptoms of photokeratitis include sensitivity to light, eye pain, swelling of the eyelids, hazy or blurry vision, redness and a sandy feeling. Thankfully, this condition is temporary.
However, UV light is also linked to the development of cataracts, which causes vision loss only reversible with surgery. Even more detrimental, UV light is linked with macular degeneration and melanomas of the eye. These carry serious complications for long term eye health and vision. So before you use a tanning bed, know all of the risks.
As always, I’d love to hear your comments or questions. Give us a shout over on Facebook or on Google+. And, remember, you can now request your annual eye exam appointment at our office by clicking here.
Dr. Beach.
melanin determines what colors of light are absorbed and what is reflected. In essence, the higher the concentration of melanin in the iris, the darker the iris color. But how does this affect vision or eye health?
The same type of action may explain how light colored irises may be associated with higher risks for certain eye problems. Since there is less of a filtering effect in the light-colored iris, more harmful UV light will pass through the iris and this may increase risks for cataracts and macular degeneration. Some studies have shown a higher incidence of these ocular conditions in patients with lighter-colored irises. Of course, this doesn’t mean that everyone with blue-colored eyes will get macular degeneration and early-onset cataracts, but it is something to consider in terms of increased risk factors. Yet, wearing sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses can reduce these risk factors and help all eyes stay healthy over the long haul.
In fact, Wiley X makes eye wear for motorcycling, fishing, tactical, racing, and everyday outdoor sports. The eyewear is very modern and stylish but is also one of the only lines of sun wear to carry the seal of ANSI approved safety eyewear—meaning the frame and the lenses are approved as the best in industrial safety and protection by the American National Standards Institute.
also perfect during windy conditions so dust doesn’t get around the eyewear and into your eyes. Dr. Beach also recommends the foam insert for patients with Dry Eye Syndrome, as the insert helps to keep the eyes enclosed in a moist environment.
This is a great question emailed to us yesterday by one of our facebook fans. Polarized lenses present a great benefit to almost any person who finds themselves outside driving, playing sports, or just relaxing in the sun.
surfaces, such as the water and the ground in a horizontal manner. This well organized horizontal reflection of light causes extremely annoying and potentially distracting glare to your eyes when outdoors, just as with this picture to the right.
ections to pass through the lenses into your eyes. Look at the picture to the right that was taken through polarized lenses and compare that to the original above. This filtering out of the horizontal glare/reflection can create a drastic reduction in the amount of strain your eyes feel when outdoors.
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