Indoor Tanning Eye Safety – American Academy of Ophthalmology

It is no secret that tanning beds pose a danger to our health. The majority of people know that tanning beds can cause skin cancer, and yet, 87 percent of indoor tanners continue to do so because they like how tans look, according to a survey from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA).

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers tanning beds as one of the highest cancer risks posed to consumers. In addition to causing skin cancer, tanning beds — like prolonged sun exposure — can lead to serious eye damage.

How Does Indoor Tanning Affect Your Eyes?

Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids. This include skin cancer on the eyelids, photokeratitis (also known as sunburned eyes), cataracts, and other serious eye conditions and diseases. 

“UV damage to the eyes may result in the development of cataracts, as well as cancer of the uvea, which is the middle layer of tissue under the white of the eye,” explains Philip R. Rizzuto, MD, an ophthalmologist specialized in ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and orbital surgery, including skin cancer removal and repair. “UV damage is cumulative. That’s why teens and young adults should be particularly careful to protect their eyes from sun exposure.”

In addition to avoiding the harmful UV levels of tanning beds, ophthalmologists recommend that you wear 99 percent and higher UV–absorbent sunglasses and a brimmed hat when outdoors, as well as appropriate SPF sun block on the face.

How To Keep Your Eyes Safe When Using a Tanning Bed:

• Use eye protection as instructed and make sure protective goggles cover the eyelids completely. Keeping your eyes shut while in the tanning bed is not enough to protect your eyes from UV rays. Also, UV light can burn the thin skin of the eyelids. 
• Get your regular eye exams and let your ophthalmologist know that you use tanning beds. That will help your ophthalmologist scan for appropriate eye conditions before symptoms appear.  
• Consider skipping the tanning bed. Remember that tans are not always a sign of good health, but rather the body’s response to damage from ultraviolet light.