What health issue can improper eye protection during tanning lead to?

Improper eye protection during tanning can lead to permanent eye damage because ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by tanning beds and the sun can harm the delicate tissues of the eyes. Protective eyewear is specifically designed to block these harmful rays, which can lead to conditions such as photokeratitis (a painful inflammation of the cornea) and cataracts over time. Without adequate protection, repeated exposure to UV light can result in irreversible damage to the eyes, affecting vision and eye health.

While skin cancer and sunburn are indeed serious concerns associated with tanning, they primarily relate to skin exposure rather than eye safety. Therefore, the unique risk posed by inadequate eye protection highlights the importance of using proper eye goggles or other protective measures during tanning sessions to prevent lasting harm to the eyes.