Sun bed users may need healthcare plan to treat eye damage

People who use sun beds should always wear goggles or they risk needing a healthcare plan to treat eye damage.

The College of Optometrists has warned that the UV light used by sun beds to tan the skin can harm peoples' eyes if they do not wear protective goggles.

While these are issued by tanning salons, some people choose not to use them in a bid to achieve the 'perfect' all-over tan, the college said.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric advisor to the college, explained: "The skin on the eye lid is very thin and delicate so it's vital to protect this area from UV rays.

"Whilst we do not advocate the use of sun beds, if you do use them it is important to ensure that you always use protective eye wear - as you would wear sunglasses when outside - to safeguard your eyes from UV rays."

Using sun beds without goggles can lead to benign eye growths called pterygium, she said.

Repeated exposure to UV may cause long term damage which could affect sight in later life.

Research carried out by Cancer Research UK recently revealed that six per cent of children in England aged 11-17 years have used a sun bed.

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