Ever since Coco Chanel revealed her bronzed models in the 1920s, Americans have been in constant search of the perfect summer glow. Regardless of weather conditions or time spent relaxing on the beaches, we’ve engineered new and increasingly dangerous ways to enhance our natural coloring. For years it has been apparent that increased exposure to UVA and UVB rays is directly proportional to the likelihood of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and the cause of over 8,000 deaths a year. In fact, indoor tanning has become so detrimental to the health of our country that the United States government is in the process of imposing a 10% tax increase on all tanning salons and their patrons as part of the new health care bill. But there is another disadvantage to indoor tanning, one that often goes unnoticed – the damage it can do to our eyes.

The College of Optometrists in London recently reported that tanning beds are equally, if not more so, damaging to our eyesight than our skin. The human eyelid is too thin to protect the eye from UV rays, both indoors and out. Therefore, by increasing exposure to these harmful rays in tanning beds, we put our eyesight at further and unnecessary risk. Not only is the delicate skin of the eyelid at a higher risk for burning, but it also is not thick enough to protect the eye from potential burns to the cornea, cataracts and retina damage.

Symptoms of cornea burns include eye irritation and conjunctivitis, which can lead to tearing of the eyelids and blurred vision. Cataracts cause a cloudy surface on the eye which must be removed through surgery and retina damage typically requires surgery to alleviate serious vision problems.

The College of Optometrists recommend the use of FDA-approved goggles or “wink-ease” provided at tanning salons, for those that simply cannot live without a bronzed exterior. While this solution protects the eyes from UV rays, it does nothing to protect the body from other harmful effects of prolonged exposure.

So if you have to use a sunbed, remember to be as careful with your health as possible. Always wear protective goggles, as merely closing the eyes does not protect the eyes at all and neither does draping a towel over the face. Avoid excessive use and don’t stay in long enough to burn. When it comes to your health, you only get one chance.