Wearing contact lenses in a tanning bed is a common concern for users. Tanning beds utilize concentrated light and elevated temperatures, while contact lenses are delicate medical devices worn on the eye’s surface. Given this intense environment, careful consideration of the interaction between high-energy light, heat, and lens material is necessary. The primary concern is protecting the sensitive tissues of the eye during a tanning session.
Why UV Exposure Poses a Risk
Tanning beds emit high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily UVA and UVB rays, which are significantly more concentrated than natural sunlight. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to this intense exposure, which can cause both immediate and long-term damage. Even if a contact lens has a UV blocker, the lens does not cover the entire eye, leaving the conjunctiva and surrounding tissue exposed.
Exposure to these powerful UV rays can lead to photokeratitis, which is a painful corneal sunburn with symptoms like redness, light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation. Cumulative UV damage is strongly associated with the development of eye conditions like cataracts, which cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy. The concentrated UV light can also contribute to non-cancerous growths on the eye’s surface, such as pterygium.
The Impact of Heat and Drying on Lens Material
The enclosed environment of a tanning bed generates a significant amount of heat and often has low humidity, creating a highly desiccating atmosphere. This heat and dryness directly affect the hydrogel and silicone hydrogel polymers that make up most soft contact lenses. These materials rely on maintaining a specific water content to remain soft, flexible, and comfortable on the cornea.
In the hot, dry air of the bed, the lens rapidly loses moisture through evaporation, a process known as dehydration. As the lens dehydrates, its structure stiffens and its fit can change, leading to immediate discomfort and irritation. A severely dehydrated lens may effectively adhere more tightly to the cornea, increasing the risk of a corneal abrasion when the wearer attempts to remove it after the session. While the lens will not melt, the physiological impact of this severe drying is a serious concern for eye comfort and surface health.
Essential Eye Protection During Tanning
To protect the eyes from the dual threats of intense UV radiation and the dehydrating heat, all contact lens wearers should remove their lenses before entering a tanning bed. Removing the lenses eliminates the risk of lens desiccation and irritation that can be exacerbated by the tanning environment. It also removes the false sense of security that a UV-blocking contact lens provides, as these are not a substitute for proper eye protection.
It is mandatory to use FDA-compliant protective goggles or eyewear during every tanning session. These specialized devices are designed to block over 99.9% of UVB rays and 99% of UVA rays, providing a complete barrier that even closed eyelids cannot offer. The protective eyewear must be worn correctly for the entire duration, as UV damage to the eyes is cumulative and can occur quickly. If eye irritation or discomfort is experienced after a session, use preservative-free artificial tears and consult an eye care professional.