host posted on July 16, 2009 13:27
By Mike Tanner
Source: cleareviews.com
Tanning beds work by blasting high levels of ultraviolet rays in a small concentrated amount of space. Because of the high concentration, it is more dangerous than the high levels emitted by the sun and sensitive body parts are especially at risk. That’s why it is important to use proper eye protection when in a tanning booth.
It’s always recommended to wear some covering to protect your eyes but for some reason, there are always people who do not heed the recommendation. They usually call them peepers or goggles and it’s a good idea to own your own pair.
Tanning salons are required to provide a pair for you but they may not work as well. It will usually be of lesser quality that may not block all the UV rays. Also, since salons offer a one size fit all, it may not fit properly and you don’t want to compromise your eyes if the gear they give you doesn’t cover your eyes properly.
Where the goggles don’t fit perfectly, the corners tend to allow leaks and that is enough for the UV rays to damage your eyes. You really need a pair that doesn’t allow leaks and doesn’t have a chance of falling off accidentally. That is why it is a good idea just to own your own pair that seals the eyes completely and has a band to go around the head so they stay on.
You can also buy disposables but they tend to be of lesser quality and do not provide same the level of protection a quality pair might. In fact, they are essentially the same as the kind provided by tanning salons. So if you are going to use a tanning bed more than just a first time, have a good quality pair that fits perfectly and you can just bring it with you every time.
Even with your eye protection on, just for added safety, many authorities recommend keeping your eyes closed for the duration of the tanning session. It is not uncommon for UV rays to damage parts of the eye beyond the point of repair, so you can never take too many precautions.
Cataracts is a very real possibility when your eyes are exposed to too much UV radiation, especially if it is unprotected. Going blind is a possibility when the eye is damaged beyond repair, or reparatory surgery does not go well.
While tanning beds do put other parts of your body in danger, it the eyes that are the most sensitive. The precautions are such simple instructions and the potential health risks that can be prevented are so great that there is no reason to take the chance.
The good news for those who want a darker tone is that there are options other than tanning beds or sun tanning. In fact, tanning lotions are touted by many health associations as the best way to get some color on your skin because of the relatively minimal health risks involved.