Speaking of goggles, what about contact lens?

[BooBop]

I have several client with contacts. Now I know some of them don't take them out while tanning and probably some of those doesn't wear eye protection? So what is the scoop on contacts? How should I advise people who ask? Is it safe to wear them while tanning even with goggles/viewkeepers.

[Ginger]

I wear my one contact while tanning & it doesn't bother me. I do wear eye protection, of course. Some people can't keep their contacts in while tanning because the lamps dry them out too much. So I think it's an individual thing.

[Brenda at Eye Pro]

Here's my perspective on contacts after 11 years manufacturing indoor tanning eye protection--

The FDA does recommend taking out contacts when tanning, but it is not law. The problem with contacts is the drying out of the eye, so you want them to use hydrating drops if leaving contacts in. If contacts are in and you don't wear eye protection, the risk of infection increases dramatically. So if you have someone you know is not going to wear eye protection, tell them to take those contacts out. They can easily contract a corneal burn from the UV and contacts create a very serious impedment to the eye healing.

I think its a hassle to take contacts out, so I leave mine in and use eye drops. Of course, I am always wearing eye protection. The fans can really dry out my eyes in super beds, so the drops are very important to my comfort level.

By the way, cotton balls and towels are very porous materials and the UV goes straight through them. If someone isn't tanning their face, make sure they are wearing eye protection under that towel.

Brenda Fishbaugh
President
Eye Pro Inc.
Makers of Wink-Ease and Viewkeepers
disposable eye protection

See us at Booth 2010 at ITA for free stuff!

[BooBop]

thanks brenda. never gave the towel thing a consideration. i will pass this along to my clients