| It has been several years since scientists found | | | | UVA radiation, the type that penetrates deep into |
| the initial link between tanning beds and skin | | | | the skin. This is three times as much UVA as |
| cancer. We know all too well that there is a | | | | sunlight. |
| relationship between sunlight and skin cancer, but | | | | Eye Damage |
| the radiation found in tanning beds damages the | | | | In addition to skin cancer, tanning beds may lead |
| skin just like radiation from the sun. Recent | | | | to diseases of the eye such as cataracts, arc eye |
| research has found that ultraviolet (UV) radiation | | | | and ocular melanoma. Cataracts are a clouding on |
| can also damage the immune system and may | | | | the lens of the eye. Since the lens is responsible |
| possibly cause eye problems such as cataracts, | | | | for adjusting focus, it can result in blurry vision. |
| arc eye and ocular melanoma. | | | | They typically grow over time, decreasing the |
| Radiation Therapy | | | | vision even more. According to the Radiation |
| High dose radiation is sometimes used in cancer | | | | Effects Research Foundation, they can appear as |
| treatment. While cancer cells are killed, the | | | | soon as one to two years after high dose |
| immune system is affected as well. Lymphocytes, | | | | exposure or after several years of repeated low |
| white blood cells responsible for the immune | | | | dose exposure. |
| system's response, are reduced in number and | | | | Arc eye is sometimes referred to as welder's |
| are less effective. Other white blood cells are also | | | | eye or flash burn. It occurs when the eye is |
| affected. The decrease in lymphocytes can last | | | | exposed to intense UV light such as that of a |
| for several years. | | | | welding torch or tanning bed. The exposure |
| Immune System Damage | | | | causes keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea. |
| Even low doses of radiation can damage the | | | | Pain may be moderate to intense and eyes may |
| immune system. It can cause chromosomal | | | | feel dry and gritty. Vision often suffers as the |
| defects or mutations in lymphocytes. If the B-cell | | | | cornea helps direct light in the eye. |
| lymphocytes are affected, they may be unable to | | | | Ocular Melanoma |
| manufacture antibodies for fighting bacteria and | | | | While melanoma usually appears on the skin, it can |
| other toxins. When T-cell lymphocytes are | | | | appear in other areas of the body as well. When |
| changed, they may fail to attack body cells taken | | | | it appears in the eyes, it is called ocular melanoma. |
| over by cancer. In some cases, they may even | | | | Much like melanoma of the skin, this condition is |
| attack healthy cells. | | | | rare. However, left untreated, it can spread |
| Individuals with damaged immune systems, | | | | (metastasis) to other areas of the body. The liver |
| sometimes referred to a immuno-compromised | | | | is a common area it metastasizes to, often with |
| individuals, are much more likely to become ill. | | | | fatal results. |
| Even an illness that traditionally would easily | | | | Even when the eyes are protected with goggles, |
| treated at home can result in devastating effects | | | | tanning beds are still harmful to the immune |
| or extended hospital stays. If the genes which | | | | system. With the link between tanning beds and |
| suppress cancer are damaged, they may actually | | | | skin cancer, as well as decreased immune |
| begin promoting cancer. | | | | function, it is important to think twice before |
| Much like overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, | | | | stepping into a tanning bed or booth...is having a |
| tanning beds and skin cancer go hand in hand. In | | | | tan really worth losing your sight or damaging |
| fact, tanning beds emit between 93% and 99% | | | | your immune system for? |