Why Protect Your Eyes?

Protecting your eyes from UV light can be simple and inexpensive. It is as easy as wearing wide brimmed hat and sun glasses or tanning goggles. Tanning Salons are required to offer goggles free of charge and to sanitize them after each use. Protecting yourself is easy! It is also especially important for those who enjoy recreation activities outside.

UV damage to your eyes accumulates over your lifetime. The crystalline lens in your eye absorbs the UV light and causes a yellowing or opacification on the lens. This phenomenon is known as a cataract and causes glare, poor contrast sensitivity, blur and significant vision loss. There is no reversing sun damage to your eyes the only options are preventing future damage or surgery.

A much less common but severe result of too much UV exposure is choroidal malignant melanoma. The choroid is the layer of the eye that supports the sensory retina.

If you are diagnosed with a choroidal malignant melanoma, typically enucleation, or removal of the eye, is advised. There also is the worry that the cancer will spread to vital organs and result in death.

From the Eye Care Blog

This photo is an example of a pterigium, although a benign growth on the eye, it is unattractive and causes the eye to look extra red from increases circulation.

Wearing googles or sunglasses isn't just a fashion trend it is protection for one of your most valuable assets.

Here is what to look for in a pair of sunglasses:

Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet rays. UV protection is a concern for all of us. People at high risk for developing problems from UV exposure include those who spend long hours in the sun because of work or recreation, those who have had cataract and refractive surgery, individuals who have certain retinal disorders and people who take certain medications - such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers - that increase the eye's sensitivity to light. And children's eyes are particularly susceptible because kids usually spend more time outdoors than adults and their young eyes let more UV rays inside. From Check Yearly, See Clearly

Protect yourself and your family by wearing protective eye wear, whether in the tanning salon, in the car, or on the playground.

Question: If you chose not to wear the recommended eye wear while in the tanning bed why?