Solarium damage

This is quite embarassing but I was overseas with a friend and went to a solarium where they didn't speak english. Being a first in a solarium I was unaware of the need to wear protective goggles to stop the UVR. It went for ten minutes and must have been fairly intense because I came out tanned. I am very concerned that the UVR that would have penetrated my eyelids and into my eyes may result in eye damage. I am particularly worried because I am a trainee pilot. Thankyou for your time,

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If your eyes were not painful, red, sensitive to light and blurred within 24 hours of having the tanning treatment you have not "scorched" your corneas.    If you want a tan better to use the skin tanning lotions than tanning booths which might just as well be called "skin cancer and eye burning" machines.

JCH III MD Ophthalmolgist

[SarahRaun]

so what if the eyes are sensitive to light and blurred for some time after using solarium without goggles, what should I do and will it ever go away??

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes, it will go away, yes you should never do it again. Yes outdoors when sunny wear hat and uV blocking sunglasses.

JCH MD

[SarahRaun]

okay thankyou for the advice. so how long will it take before it will go away if thats possible to know?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Probably 5-10 days with slow improvement each day.

JCH MD