Vision Source Mandan Blog

Indoor Tanning Is Gambling With Your Vision

 

Indoor tanning beds are infamous for their dangerous effects on skin. What most people don't realize is that the very thing in tanning beds that causes skin cancer (ultraviolet radiation) can also damage your vision.

Indoor Tanning Is Risky Business

Indoor tanning initially gained its popularity as an easy way to maintain that bronze glow many seek to develop during the summer months. Awareness of how dangerous tanning beds are, however, did not catch on as fast as the beds themselves. Ultraviolet rays produced by the lamps in tanning beds present serious health risks. In fact, people who use indoor tanning beds are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never used them.

Unfortunately, few people make the effort to protect their skin while indoor tanning, let alone their eyes.

The Effects Indoor Tanning Beds Have on Eyes

Indoor tanning beds pose a more serious threat to health than we may realize. Recently, a group of eye doctors and other medical professionals highlighted the World Health Organization's classification of tanning beds as a Group 1 carcinogenic to humans—the highest cancer risk category.

Immediate effects of direct and/or prolonged UV exposure to the eyes are cataracts and photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is similar to a sunburn of the cornea and surrounding portions of the eye—including the lining of our eyelids. This painful condition can result in eyelid twitches, constricted pupils, tearing, and many other uncomfortable symptoms.

We Care About Protecting Your Vision

Whether you enjoy laying out on the beach or you prefer visiting the tanning salon from time to time, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your vision health. As your lifelong vision partner, we are committed to protecting your vision and whole body health so you can continue to enjoy a happy, healthy lifestyle. If you have any questions or you’d like to learn more about the harmful effects of indoor tanning, schedule an appointment with one of our Vision Source® partners or leave a comment below!

Thank you for your valued friendship and continued trust in our practice!

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Top image by Flickr user Hank Hession used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

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