» Sun & The Human Eye
Tanning
and Excessive Sun Exposure Can Cause Severe Damage to Eyes
Prevent
Blindness Mid-Atlantic Warns Public on Dangers of UV Rays to Vision
As
the weather begins to warm, some Mid-Atlantic 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.
Prevent
Blindness Mid-Atlantic 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, we have 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 a free brochure, “Protecting Your Eyes From
the Sun.”
For
more information on the dangers of UV exposure and how to choose the
best options for adults and children, please click
here.
» What You Might Not Know...
About Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic is the only local
volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose sole
mission is to preserve sight and prevent blindness.
The primary means of accomplishing our mission
since 1957 is through vision screenings
for both children and adults, providing support groups
for seniors, and supplying public and professional education
and information. For more information, or to
contribute to the sight-saving fund, call toll-free,
(888) 790-2020, ext. "0." We also gratefully accept
online donations here at this web site!
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