It is safe to wear contact lenses while tanning, whether under the sun or in a tanning bed, but only if proper, dedicated eye protection is used. Relying solely on contact lenses for protection is dangerous, as they do not cover the entire eye or the sensitive surrounding tissue. The primary risk of tanning with contacts is not that the lens will melt, but the combined effect of intense UV exposure and heat on the lens material and eye health. This combination can lead to immediate discomfort and serious long-term damage if precautions are ignored.
Effects of UV Rays on Contact Lenses
The intense heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning sessions directly affect the physical properties of contact lenses. Tanning bed heat or strong sunlight causes the lens material to dehydrate rapidly, which is particularly true for high-water-content lenses, as they lose moisture through evaporation. This dehydration can cause the lens to shrink slightly, leading to a change in fit that makes them feel tight or uncomfortable on the eye.
While the myth that contacts will melt to the eye is false—the temperature required to fuse the lens would severely damage the eye first—the dehydration can still be harmful. A dehydrated lens may cling tightly to the cornea, and removing it can potentially cause a corneal abrasion or scratch on the surface of the eye. Some contact lenses contain UV-blocking additives, but this protection only covers the area of the eye directly beneath the lens. UV-blocking contacts are not a substitute for protective eyewear because they leave the conjunctiva, eyelids, and other eye tissues exposed to the intense UV light.
Why Tanning Poses a Risk to Eye Health
Tanning exposes the eyes to high levels of ultraviolet light that can cause both immediate and cumulative damage to ocular structures. Short-term, intense UV exposure can lead to photokeratitis, often described as a sunburn of the cornea. Symptoms of this painful condition include red eyes, a gritty sensation, excessive tearing, and light sensitivity, which usually resolve within a few days.
Over time, this cumulative UV exposure significantly increases the risk of developing serious, chronic eye diseases. Long-term exposure is a known risk factor for accelerating the development of cataracts, which is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that decreases vision. UV radiation can also contribute to age-related macular degeneration, a condition that damages the retina and can lead to permanent central vision loss. The delicate tissues of the eye absorb UV light, and the eyelids offer insufficient protection against the high-intensity UV output of a tanning bed.
Essential Eye Protection During Tanning Sessions
Protecting the eyes during any tanning session requires dedicated action beyond simply wearing UV-blocking contact lenses. For tanning beds, it is highly recommended to remove contact lenses beforehand to prevent the discomfort and potential corneal damage caused by dehydration. If contacts must remain in, you must use specialized, opaque, UV-blocking goggles specifically designed for tanning.
These proper tanning goggles completely shield the entire eye and the surrounding sensitive skin from the intense UV radiation. Standard sunglasses, even high-quality ones, are often insufficient for the high UV output of tanning beds and should not be used as a substitute for the required opaque goggles. For outdoor sun tanning, a combination of UV-blocking contacts and a large pair of wraparound sunglasses provides the most comprehensive protection for both the eyeball and the surrounding skin.