Why Is Eyewear So Important?
Protective eyewear shields eyes from potentially harmful ultraviolet light. UV damage is cumulative, so although the effects of damage may not be immediately noticeable, it occurs nonetheless. Eyelids are too thin to protect eyes from UV penetration. Overexposure to UVB light damages the cornea, while too much UVA light damages the retina. An eye's lens can completely absorb the shorter UVB wavelength and when absorbed by the cornea these rays can cause corneal burns.
A corneal burn is more or less a sunburn on the surface of the eye. Increased sensitivity, a burning sensation and excessive tearing characterizes damage that can occur within a few hours of exposure. The effects are painful, although temporary, and usually disappear within a day or so.
UVA wavelengths are longer and penetrate through the cornea into the retina where they do considerable damage at high-dosage levels. Color perception is the first thing to fail with overexposure to UVA. Retinal burns caused by UVA can produce scarring in the rods and cones of the eye that can reduce both visual acuity and color sensitivity.
Unprotected overexposure of the eyes to UVR also can lead to the long-term health risk called brunescent cataracts. These permanent cataracts develop slowly and usually occur over a matter of years. The clouding affects night vision and can alter color perception. Cataract surgery is the only known cure.
In addition to the health conditions mentioned above, there are many other eye-related diseases and syndromes caused by overexposure to UV light including:
- Ptyerguims—the growth of tissue on the whites of the eyes that can block vision. The tissue can be removed but often grows back.
- Macular Degeneration—which reduces vision and often requires surgery.
- Cancers around the eye.
Regulations
It is the salon operator's responsibility to ensure to the best of their ability that clients use compliant eyewear. Federal regulations (CFR 21 1040.20 (c) (4)) require that tanners wear protective eyewear that block 99.9 percent of the UVB light and 99 percent of the UVA light. Acceptable eyewear must state the product's compliance with federal regulations on the package.
It is important to instruct clients not to remove elastic straps on the protective eyewear. The eyewear was tested for compliance with the straps and is no longer compliant if removed. If a client complains about the straps, suggest they slightly loosen them, choose eyewear that does not have straps or use disposable eyewear.
Many states also have regulations governing the use of eyewear. Some require salons to provide eyewear free, while others only require that clients wear approved eye protection. It is important for salon owners and operators to check their state and local regulations to be sure they are in compliance.
Sanitation
Proper eyewear sanitation is critical due to the risk of infectious diseases that can be transferred easily from one user to another.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is the most commonly transmitted disease among tanners. This highly infectious disease is characterized by itching, redness, swelling and increased eye secretion. Impetigo, viral or bacterial infections, cold sores and various other sores are also on the transferable disease list.
Collect each pair of goggles and clean them as instructed immediately after every use. Use a coitrinary disinfectant for cleaning and disinfecting. This type of disinfectant offers the largest range of virus-, bacteria- and fungus-killing properties. Follow the instructions on the label of the disinfecting product. Some concentrated forms of disinfectants will need to be diluted with water.
It is extremely important that the cleaning solution 1) is designed to sanitize and clean all in one function, 2) has been properly mixed to prevent eye irritation, 3) is non-toxic and does not leave a film behind, 4) will not damage plastics, and 5) clearly states on the product label that it will effectively kill all the leading germs and bacteria.
After the goggles have soaked for the manufacturer's recommend time, they should be wiped or rubbed clean to remove visible deposits, rinsed and dried thoroughly. Replace goggle straps as they become worn, frayed or broken. Eyewear should be checked regularly for replacement, as it does not last forever.
Inform clients that personal-use goggles must be cleaned and disinfected between each use as it’s possible to re-infect themselves if they have some type of virus or infection.
State, local and FDA regulations that apply to eyewear safety and sanitation vary from area to area. Check with your local regulations to be sure you are in compliance.
Remind Your Clients
Always ask clients if they remembered to bring their eye protection. Reinforce the fact that towels, sunglasses, cotton balls and their eyelids cannot adequately protect eyes from damage. Have warnings regarding eyewear safety printed on the salon's consumer statement, posted on signs on the walls and on the consumer sign-in card.
Show your commitment to eyewear education by making it a priority to train employees on the importance of proper eye protection, as they are the front line in educating your customers.
Portions of this article are from the NTTI Basic Tanning Certification manual and the LOOKING FIT Fact Book. To view the NTTI Basic Indoor Tanning Certification manual free of charge go to www.tanningtraining.com. To order the LOOKING FIT Fact Book go to www.lookingfit.com.
NTTI is offering a FREE Eyewear Issues quiz this month. Test your knowledge on eyewear by simply going to www.tanningtraining.com.
