Tanning and Excessive Sun Exposure Can Cause Severe Damage to Eyes
Prevent Blindness Wisconsin Warns Public on Dangers of UV Rays to Vision
Milwaukee, WI (05/01/08) – As the weather begins to warm, some Wisconsin residents may want to head to their local tanning salon to get a good “base tan” before they don their bathing suits and shorts. But without the proper protection, tanning beds can cause serious burns, not just to the skin but to the eyes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million Americans use tanning salons every day.
Unfortunately, some people believe that tanning beds are safer than tans from the sun, but research has shown that ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun. Tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB rays that can cause photokeratitis, or a burn of the cornea (the clear surface of the eye). Symptoms can range from painful tearing and redness of the eye to extreme cases of temporary loss of vision. As with most sunburns to the skin, symptoms may not appear until 6-12 hours after exposure.
Tanning facilities are required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to provide clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers. Wearing regular sunglasses or placing cotton balls over the eyes is not sufficient protection. The New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians warns that using a tanning bed without protective eye goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun.”
Of course, UV blocking eye protection should be worn during other activities besides tanning. Harmful UV rays are present from the sun reflecting on sand, water, asphalt and snow. Whether playing on the beach or pulling weeds in the backyard, everyone should wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays in conjunction with a brimmed hat. Wraparound sunglasses are the most effective and can protect the delicate skin around the eyes as well.
Children are also susceptible to UV damage and should be encouraged to wear sunglasses for all daytime outdoor adventures, specifically between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are the most intense. Eye protection should even be worn during overcast days. People who have had cataract surgery or other retinal disorders, and people who take certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, are also at special risk for eye damage.
Did You Know?
Symptoms of a corneal sunburn will usually not appear until 6-12 hours after exposure. So, one can suffer a severe corneal sunburn and not realize it while tanning or immediately after. (Palmer Eye Center)
According to a survey, only 9 percent of Americans were aware that extended exposure to the sun could damage eyes, while 82 percent were aware UV rays could cause skin cancer. (Transitions Optical, Inc., 3/31/06)
The same study also found:
When adults know they’re going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time, about six in ten (60 percent) apply sunscreen.
More than a third (36 percent) wears a hat.
Only one in six (16 percent) mentioned that they wear sunglasses when they prepare for extended sun exposure.
Both UVA and UVB radiation have been shown to be harmful to the eye. While UVA has lower energy, it does penetrate deep into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight in the center field of vision.
Prevent Blindness Wisconsin has dedicated May as UV Awareness month in an effort to educate the public on the best way to protect their eyes from UV damage. In fact, the non-profit group has a dedicated Web resource, the “UV Learning Center,” which provides free information on UV, tips on purchasing the best eye protection and even a quiz to test UV knowledge. Consumers are invited to log on to www.preventblindness.org/uv. The group also offers free brochures, “UV Rays” and “Sunglasses: Choosing the Right Protection for your Eyes.”
For more information on the dangers of UV exposure and how to choose the best options for adults and children, please visit call (414) 765-0505.
About Prevent Blindness Wisconsin
Prevent Blindness Wisconsin provides free, direct sight-saving services throughout Wisconsin. In implementing these services, we prevent blindness by identifying early signs of vision disorders, facilitating early and effective treatment, and preventing eye injury. We are a non-profit organization and are supported entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, corporations, family foundations, organizations, special events, and bequests. Our fiscal year is April 1st through March 31st.
