Indoor Tanning Can Also Cause Eye Cancer

It is a well known fact that tanning is a leading cause of skin cancer due to the prolonged sun exposure. But did you know that just like the sun even indoor tanning beds can lead to serious eye damage?

Eleven different U.S. medical organizations have joined together to raise awareness of the dangers of indoor tanning.

Studies have demonstrated that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during indoor tanning can lead to eye damage. Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids.

Philip R. Rizzuto, MD, an ophthalmologist and associate clinical professor of surgery at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island explains that "UV damage to the eyes may result in the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as cancer of the uvea, which is the middle layer of tissue under the white of the eye."

A recent U.S. survey by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) shows that the majority of indoor tanners think using tanning beds can cause skin cancer; most of the indoor tanners still think that people look more attractive with a tan. So you need to decide what’s better – getting a tan and looking beautiful, or keeping staying healthy. Remember prevention is always better than the cure.

For more details about Indoor Tanning Eye Safety you can read the original article published on geteyesmart.org

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