Quick answer
Yes, every session. Closing your eyes isn't enough to protect them from a sunbed's UV. Without goggles you risk painful eye irritation and conjunctivitis in the short term, and cataracts in the long term, according to the Health and Safety Executive. Use goggles made for sunbeds that fit snugly over both eyes.
Why closing your eyes isn't enough
Your eyelids are thin and don't fully block UV. Sunbeds give out concentrated UV close to your face, and the NHS singles out light from sunbeds as particularly dangerous for the eyes.
What UV can do to your eyes
The Health and Safety Executive lists these risks when suitable goggles aren't worn:
- Short term: eye irritation and conjunctivitis, which can feel gritty, sore and watery
- Long term: cataracts, a clouding of the lens that affects your sight
If your eyes feel sore, gritty or sensitive to light after a session, stop tanning and get them checked by a pharmacist, optician or GP if they don't settle.
Choosing sunbed goggles
- Use goggles designed for sunbeds, not sunglasses.
- Make sure they cover both eyes fully and sit snugly, with no gaps around the edges.
- Keep your own pair, so you know they're clean and in good condition. Replace them if they're scratched or damaged.
Shop our sunbed goggles.
Do salons provide goggles?
Many do. The HSE describes giving customers adequate eye protection as good practice. If you're using salon goggles, check they're clean and undamaged before you start.
Contact lenses
Some people find contact lenses uncomfortable or drying on a sunbed. If yours feel irritated, take them out before your session and wear your goggles as normal.
More on staying safe: are sunbeds safe?
