What is the consequence of failing to wear protective eyewear in a tanning bed?

Failing to wear protective eyewear in a tanning bed can lead to severe burns or long-term eye injury due to the intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted during tanning sessions. The eyes are particularly sensitive to UV rays, which can cause conditions such as photokeratitis (a painful condition akin to sunburn of the eye) and cataracts over time.

Without proper eye protection, individuals expose their eyes to concentrated UV light, increasing the risk of both immediate harm (like severe burns to the eyelids and the outer layer of the eye) and potential long-term complications, including permanent vision loss or damage. This makes the necessity for protective eyewear crucial for anyone utilizing a tanning bed to safeguard against these serious health risks.