EYE PROTECTION IS NOT OPTIONAL

[njchica]

I speak from experience. I tanned for 2 years without using eye protection because I didn't know any better. The salon I began my tanning career at never told me how important it is to protect your eyes when in a tanning unit. Sure I had them closed but it wasn't good enough.

My vision is not what it used to be. Driving at night is very difficult now. My color perception has decreased. And I can't see as far as I used to... This is permanent damage that can not be repaired.

Please please please protect your eyes while tanning. There are many brands of goggles and they are NOT expensive. If you buy a pair you don't like, buy something new and try it out. If you don't like goggles, try ViewKeepers--they are wonderful. An easy way to eliminate "raccoon eyes" is to apply a bit of self-tanner or a DHA-based bronzer around your eyes to darken the area if you feel that goggles are still leaving white areas.

Your vision is worth the effort. I am paying a very expensive price now and I wish I had known better than to not get goggles... I use them religiously now--NEVER EVER EVER do I tan without...

[needatan]

I'm sorry that happened to you. Thanks for sharing your experience. As a new tanner, I would not have taken the goggles so seriously had I not read your post!

[Andrea]

My best guy friend up in New York has recently started tanning with his gf and doesn't wear goggles..I yelled at him the other day about the importance of goggles.. I sent him this site, hopefully it will sink in before its too late!

[star]

i can't believe someone was tanning for 2 years and didn't know about eye protection. what did you think all the goggles at the salon were for, fashion statement? that seems really hard to believe.

[MoraBella30]

star that sees a bit harsh, Same thing happend me to where I first started tanning! They had goggles there, but they werent enforced and noone ever explained the dangers ect. And matter of fact no i didnt think they were a fashion statement, if the importance of them isnt explained one may think that they are more for a comfort than a nessisity

_________________
Cut the base line...No? You dont have to... Dr.Evil[ This Message was edited by: Samsara26 on 2003-05-04 18:01 ]

[njchica]

Star, I didn't realize how quickly the damage occurs and I thought that keeping my eyes closed was just as good as goggles. No one ever took the time to explain how badly UV rays can damage your eyes...

I don't care if you think I'm stupid for not knowing.... my purpose is to help other tanners protect their eyes before they damage their sight like I did.

[Anya1976]

when i first started tanning no one mentioned how bad it was to tan without eye protection. if you aren't told the dangers of not using eye protection u assume u don't need it. and YES star that was harsh very uncalled for. at the second(and my current)salon they explained the dangers of not using eye protection, so i use it all the time.

[Laurel]

Thank you for posting your experience njchica...I hope there are people new to tanning out there that find this sight and read your post

[CarolinaSizzle]

Thanks for sharing this....I could have written your experience myself!! Back when I first started tanning years ago the importance wasnt stressed...in fact I dont remember the salon even offering much less selling eye protection and like you I just figured closing my eyes would be enough and it wasnt. I wish I knew then what I know now. A lot of people really dont get the importance and the vanity of not wanting "coon eyes" is a terrible price to pay in the long run! The salon I go to now will NOT let anyone go into the rooms until they SEE the goggles in your posession. I have seen some people get major attitudes about this and some accused the owner of being militant in this. The owner has said that she cant be responsible for what they do or dont do once they are in the beds with the goggles but she feels its her "duty" to make sure she does SEE the goggles and if the client doesnt have them she gives them a pair of winkies free!!

[Tamar]

My daughter is by no means a ditz, but tanned for three years without eyewear. She now has night vision loss, 5 years later. You do not know what you have not been taught. We got into this industry to EDUCATE.

Providing free eyewear is a law in Texas and I carry a huge staple gun for those customers who do not take it seriously.

[Anya1976]

Quote:
On 2003-05-05 11:23, Tamar wrote:
Providing free eyewear is a law in Texas and I carry a huge staple gun for those customers who do not take it seriously.

i know there are a few people who tan at the salon i go to that need their eyewear stapled to them too. there are sooooooooo many people who dont use eyewear (they buy one pair of winkease and keep them in their wallet or purse and u can tell they've never been used cus well the adhesive doesn't last and they wouldn't be perfectly stuck to the paper)

[starbelly]

Over the past 2 years I've been to three different Salons, not one enforced goggle use.
Two places didnt even ask if I had them or needed them and the other just asked if I needed him. Shouldnt there be a law to enforce goggle use?

[Anya1976]

i know in illinois it's the law a customer HAS to show eyewear to tan if they do not have it they have to buy it or they can NOT tan.

[star]

i didn't call anyone stupid, i just said i found it hard to believe. when i started tanning i educated myself about the benefits and the dangers. eye protection was right up there.

[luv2tan]

Oh my god the things people would do when I worked in a salon to avoid wearing goggles. Some would tell me they were going to put cotton balls on their eyes. I had one woman tell me that she was going to use quarters over her eyes LOL! I did turn a few people away over the years who refused eye protection, even when offered a free pair of Winkease.
It is so important to protect them. Like a few other people here, I too was not informed about the use of them. I started tanning when I was 15 years old. I didn't start working in a salon until I was 20. That is when I was educated about goggles. Honestly I don't notice too much damage to my eyes now, but that may change as I get older. Someone else mentioned something about having dificulty driving at night. I have that problem too. So yeah I guess that is some serious damage.

[Brenda at EyePro]

Luv,

I couldn't have said it any better. Cotton balls allow UV light to go straight thru, as does a towel or tshirt over the face (if water goes thru it, UV does too). And quarters fail the sanitary standards your salon is trying to maintain! Wink-Ease or Viewkeepers disposable eye protection is a great solution, thanks for suggesting it.

The damage is real, make sure you are wearing FDA compliant eye protection your salon recommends.

Brenda Fishbaugh
The Wink-Ease woman

[Strnghrt]

Glad this subject is brought up, I had no idea it was so important! I used to never wear them but recently I had been taking them off the last couple of min to avoid the lines because I don't wear make-up to cover the lines, now when I get in the tanner I bet this will come to mind if I even consider taking them off. By the way I have trouble seeing at dusk because I have an astigmatism. But lately I've been having trouble seeing to read, wonder if that's from all those years reading in the dark as a kid.

[blondie]

This really was a great topic. It will help alot of people, and that is what this board is all about.

I wish I would have known this six years ago. I would do a few minutes without them then, but even the importance of them was never mentioned.

[Brenda at EyePro]

Instead of taking your eyewear off, may I suggest you move it a bit during your tanning session. This will blur any line you may get--every eyewear product is a complete UV block so you can't get tan under it.

Spam---Also try Wink-Ease or Viewkeepers disposable eye protection. They are the only adjustable products out there, you can make the cone as tight as you want so it fits the size of your eye.

Remember all makeup contains SPF and will block your tan. So if you have eye shadow on and concealer under your eyes, you WILL get a big raccoon eye!

Brenda
The on-line eyewear expert

[starbelly]

When I flip over onto my stomach I take off my goggles cause they just fall off anyways. What should I do in this case? any suggestions?

[Brenda at EyePro]

Starbelly, Your eyes (or at least one) are completely exposed when you are on your stomach. Spam--Wink-Ease and Viewkeepers have adhesive that hold the product on your eyes when you roll on your belly or use a stand-up. Or use the elastic on your goggles when you flip over. Your eyelids block less than 25%, so please wear eyewear when you tan!

Brenda

[shadow]

Your eyelids only block 25% of UV A/B rays. WEAR GOGGLES.

[tr0nado]

I too learned on the importance of goggles. There were a few times in the past that I didn't use goggles due to the fact I didn't want 'coon eyes. I can still see colours well but took a very minor performance hit on reading distant signs, etc. My night vision is still pretty good.
I also want to emphasize anytime you go outside, the sun can inflict damage to your eyes and that damage is doubled when you are near bodies of water & sand. So when you go out, pop on those UV resistant sunglasses!

[colorgod]

My salon has a sign that says googles required, but they only check new tanners to see if they bring them. Experienced tanners aren't even questioned.

[Brenda at EyePro]

TrOnado, You bring up a good point, a UV block or UV 400 sunglasses are a necessity to keep from damaging your eyes outside. Make sure those friends and family that are farmers, construction workers and lifeguards (heavy outside work) are all wearing sunglasses.

Colorgod, you point up a problem in the indoor tanning industry, unfortunately not all salons are professional and run in a competent manner. If they aren't checking eye protection, are they making sure the beds are properly cleaned and maintained? Are they carrying the best tanning products? Choose your salon carefully! Choose a professional environment that cares about you and your vision and skin!

Brenda

[njchica]

Brenda, thank you so much for participating here in this thread. We appreciate your expert advice.

[tanallover]

I believe the lamps damage the Rod & Cones at the rear of the eye, and YES, it is irreversible. Wear those shades!

[njchica]

I hope that this thread has made some people think long and hard about tanning without eye protection. It's so important to protect your vision.

[Anya1976]

well you'd think that since our vision is so important that they wouldn't want to risk it.

[njchica]

apparently, even after hearing about how important it is, some people STILL don't get it....

[Anya1976]

nope and there is NO explaining differently

[colorgod]

Everytime I go to put on my goggles I think about this thread.

[BrOnZeDbOmBsHeLl]

that's the sad part...people don't realize even after you beat it into their brains how important it is to use your eye wear. Also if your using peepers or eye candy to have the original string attached with it that way light can't seep in as easily Ü

[nikptbo]

the salon that i use has a set of goggles for each bed that are on the towel when uenter the room , they are used by anyone who doesnt buy goggles, but they have a cup of sanitizer that u place them in when ur done, and then they dry em off and re-use them, i think its a a great idea because ive never thought of taking them off while tanning, i even put em on before the bed starts(these goggles have little parts with a thick green glass that u can see out of a tiny bit..)

[Anya1976]

Quote:
On 2003-05-12 13:25, nikptbo wrote:
the salon that i use has a set of goggles for each bed that are on the towel when uenter the room , they are used by anyone who doesnt buy goggles, but they have a cup of sanitizer that u place them in when ur done, and then they dry em off and re-use them, i think its a a great idea because ive never thought of taking them off while tanning, i even put em on before the bed starts(these goggles have little parts with a thick green glass that u can see out of a tiny bit..)

those are peepers. i personally like the sunsets better cus they are two pieces instead of one so u dont get the white line on your nose (that i sometimes got with peepers)

[Brenda at EyePro]

Nikptbo,

I'd suggest you buy your own goggles or disposable eye protection. Is the sanitizer in the room made up fresh every day? If not, it might not be effective. No one is wiping out the mascara and other debris inside the goggle.

Keep your own goggles in a ziplock baggie so they don't pick up outside contaminants from your hands, gym bag, purse, etc. Consider your eye protection to be like your toothbrush--replaced regularly and kept in a sanitary location.

Brenda

[nitrooverride]

Here is a pic of me and my bros wearing Eye pro things everywhere.........

[colorgod]

wasn't that pic in another thread, Shawn?

[CarSmithUGA]

I never even knew what goggle where until I was already 6 months down the road... thats before i switched salons

[Anya1976]

at least u are using them now Car

[colorgod]

oh man, that's the first thing my salon does when they get a new person. They hook you up with eye protection.

[Anya1976]

my salon hooks people up as well EVERYONE needs eye protection at my salon

[Anya1976]

I got my viewkeepers in the mail today Brenda thank you very much... i will try them tomorrow

[colorgod]

what are viewkeepers like?

[njchica]

Viewkeepers are awesome. I love them. I need some more..... they are fabulous.

[Anya1976]

they are just like winkease but the cone is a little deeper

[colorgod]

I have peepers!

[Anya1976]

viewkeepers are disposable eyewear... my regular eyewear are peepers sunsets and special eyez

[sunbunny]

I don't think the second salon we tan at disinfects goggles. I've never seen them do it. And they don't sell them. We bring our own.

[Anya1976]

eeeeew how nasty.... poster salon for pink eye

[nitrooverride]

Quote:wasn't that pic in another thread, Shawn?


Yes

[colorgod]

I thought I had seen that pic b4.

[Brenda at EyePro]

You can view Viewkeepers on www.eyepro.net I'm happy to send out samples, reference I am Tan in your email. Include your name and snail mail to brenda@eyepro.net. They are deeper than Wink-Ease so they allow more eyelash room for long eyelashed guys and ladies with mascara. They also stay on better in big beds and stand ups with big fans.

Brenda

[njchica]

that is so cool of you Brenda. thanks so much for helping us out. We love you.

[D Queen]

that's so true!! tanning without eye protection is so dangerous... everyone should be told, it just sucks that some people don't care and will find out later...

[Gangsta Boo]

How do you keep those raccoon eyes from happening?

[Greta]

Brenda, thank you for the samples you sent me. They arrived and I am loving them, I will be sure to ask my salon to carry them for me

[njchica]

a good way to prevent raccoon eyes is, first of all, use ViewKeepers or WinkEase... they really minimize white areas around the eyes. Then you can apply a little dab of a DHA bronzer or sunless tanner to get that area to match the rest of your bod.

[Anya1976]

i just use a bronzing powder (like suddenly sun when i can find my compact)

[njchica]

thank you Brenda! I got my ViewKeepers in the mail yesterday. I love that they are so easy to use and I don't have to worry about whether they're clean or not.

[njchica]

has anyone else tried ViewKeepers? email Brenda for some samples. they are the BEST!

[Brenda at EyePro]

I've received quite a few requests for Viewkeepers, and I'm glad you are enjoying them. They take a bit to figure out, but once you see how to make the cone, you can make it to fit the size of your eye and not wear something too big for you (like one-size-fits-all goggles).

If you are worried about raccoon eyes, whether you wear goggles or disposable, make sure you move your eye protection once or twice during a session so that you don't get a straight line. Kind of like moving your bikini straps. Some people take off their eyewear for the last couple of minutes to get a little color. I am not recommending this, but I'd rather have you expose your eyes for five minutes than twenty minutes every time you tan!

Brenda

[boobrandt]

I wear my eye goggles, but I have to admit that every once in a while, for like a minute or two, I take them off to prevent raccoon eyes. Some beds I would NEVER take them off in because the light is so intense!! But I find that a dark makeup concealer is all I need to keep from looking goofy. Thanks for the info about the damage though. Very scary. I will keep them on from now on ALWAYS!

[engfant]

A simple bronzer should be enough to clear that up. Who cares anyway? I've never heard a person poke fun of the racoon eyes. Usually they ask what salon I go to.

[Anya1976]

i'm not usually too worried about the racoon eyes it's not as bad as people who lay outside with sunglasses on and get HUGE white circles on their face lol

[njchica]

I don't even notice them... if I have them....

[Anya1976]

i have faint ones but since i switch everything around they aren't that bad

[new2tan]

Thanks for the warning on the eye goggles. I'm new to tanning and have worn the goggles, but have taken them off for a couple minutes the last three times I went because of the racoon eye effect. NOw that I know the seriousness of the consequences I will wear them all the time.

[njchica]

What kind of eye protection do YOU use?

[new2tan]

I use the goggles the salon provides. For standup they are just regular glasses with a string band to hold them on. In the sit down they are similar except a thin wire for the nosebridge.

[new2tan]

I use the goggles the salon provides. For standup they are just regular glasses with a string band to hold them on. In the sit down they are similar except a thin wire for the nosebridge.

[sherlynn 01]

Idn't see how anyone could tan with out eye wear! Don't they care about there eyes!Some people find out when it is already to late.Everyone should wear there gogles no mater what

[Anya1976]

Quote:
On 2003-06-17 22:24, sherlynn 01 wrote:
Idn't see how anyone could tan with out eye wear! Don't they care about there eyes!Some people find out when it is already to late.Everyone should wear there gogles no mater what

most people honestly think nothing will happen to THEM cus they are invincible... well down the line they will wonder why they can't see at night while driving and other things are wrong with their eyes

[sunbunny]

And I think some just honestly don't know any better.

[Anya1976]

true some salons don't preach about how important it is to wear eyewear.

[colorgod]

Every salon I've ever been in has required eye protection. Whether the tanner wears eye protection is left ultimately to the tanner.

[Laurel]

My eyesite is so bad as it is now that without contacts I am legally blind. My vision is 20/200 in my left eye and 20/400 in my right eye with out corrective wear. I always make sure that I wear my eye protection.

[njchica]

My vision definitely isn't what it used to be. I'm the worst when I'm trying to follow directions to somewhere at night.... I can't read the street signs until I'm just about past them.

[jayell79]

Ok, I just got my sample of viewkeepers, but I either have enormous eyes or I’m stupid and not putting them on right. I made a cone with the split part at the top, and it left a hole at the top. So I made the cone smaller to get rid of the hole at the top, and there is NO WAY those will fit on my big cow eyes! It seems like it would take 2 stuck together to cover one of my eyes, cause 1 didn’t even cover 1/2 my eye. OK, what em I doing wrong?

[palefacegirl]

I always use eyewear. I carry a couple of different kinds with me and rotate them each time I tan to prevent racoon eyes. i also use a little self tanner if I need to touch up the white spots.

[Anya1976]

i want to bump this back up since it is an important topic

[LucyStrikes]

makeup has spf? According to my aunt who works for covergirl, no makeup has spf unless stated clearly on the packaging, I think it might be illegal not to

[DeReKzTaNBaBiE]

Wow, I think I'm going to be putting on the winkease from now on...I have to admit I've only used them once...I guess a slight tan line on UR eyes is better then losing some of your sight...

[KonaBikeBabe]

Quote:
On 2003-05-09 18:56, tr0nado wrote:
I too learned on the importance of goggles. There were a few times in the past that I didn't use goggles due to the fact I didn't want 'coon eyes. I can still see colours well but took a very minor performance hit on reading distant signs, etc. My night vision is still pretty good.
I also want to emphasize anytime you go outside, the sun can inflict damage to your eyes and that damage is doubled when you are near bodies of water & sand. So when you go out, pop on those UV resistant sunglasses!


I had no idea about water & sand hurting your vision. From now on, I will always keep that in mind! Thank you!

KonaBikeBabe

[Brenda at EyePro]

Sunbunny,

Although salons are required by your state to follow strict procedures to disinfect goggles, some times this doesn't happen. It is a smart idea to own your own. Keep them in a ziplock bag so contaminants like your hands don't touch them. Wash them at home with antibacterial soap and rinse thoroughly.

Don't microwave them or dishwasher them or bleach them to clean them--an antibacterial soap is best, as they are dishwasher or microwave safe.

Brenda

Makers of Wink-Ease and Viewkeepers disposbable eyewear

[josie3s]

I agree, very important thread! I usually wear peepers, my own pair, my salon doesn't have community goggles. I just got my sample of WinkEase and ViewKeepers from Brenda though, so I'll be testing those out soon!

Some salons may also preach the importance of eyewear, but kind of look the other way when it comes to enforcement. My first day, I was told "we are reqired by law to see that you HAVE goggles, but whether or not you actually wear them in the bed is up to you" Eek! Good thing I found this site before I decided that that meant I could take off my goggles to get rid of racoon eyes! (btw, after the first day, when I bought my peepers, they have never checked to see if I have eyewear)

[Brenda at EyePro]

Hi Tanners!

We've added a new vertical banner where you can click and see magazine articles on what happens to your eyes when you tan without eye protection. Just click on the vertical banner!

Brenda
The Wink-Ease woman

[Sc0tt]

cool! thanks brenda - you're great !

[sunbunny]

Bumping this very important topic!

[PrincessCat]

My husband has been tanning for about a month now. He's always used eye protection. But when he was born he had glaucoma which he still has and had cataracts- gone now... Should he be tanning?? He always says his eyes hurt when he's done tanning.. He's gonna call his doctor tomorrow and ask what he thinks... I told my hubby that if doc says no, then he can just start using the spray tan. Any comments and suggestions are very appreciated... thanks

[never2tan]

I recently had my lifelong crappy eyes surgically repaired by LASIK. I was far-sighted, serious astigmatism, legally blind without glasses. You really have no idea how great it feels not to worry about putting on coke-bottle glasses, or breaking htem doing mundane activities. I couldn't care less about the raccoon effect, my eyes are way too important. Protect your eyes folks, you don't know what you've got until it's gone!

[Brenda at EyePro]

Princess,

I have made my living in tanning for 13 years, but I do not want to make one dime from someone who is getting hurt from tanning. So I agree absolutely with you--if a qualified opthomolgist says NO to tanning for your husband, then I agree. But make sure he/she isn't one of these snap judgment folks that say "tanning is bad for you" and haven't done any research and would let your husband lay outside with no protection. A M.D. isn't knowledgeable AT ALL about eyes, they don't have to be, as we all go to the eye doctor annually. So get an opinion from an opthomologist--not an optomotrist-- who has less training.

Never2,
LASIK is great, but it doesn't fix many of the problems from UV light overexposure from tanning indoors or outdoors--color loss, night vision loss, cataracts, basal cell carcinoma, and a host of other damage. You are very lucky you qualified for LASIK, I do not, and am still doing the coke bottle thing.

Make sure you are wearing FDA compliant eyewear while indoor tanning and that you are keeping it in a clean place between tans. Move it slightly with each tan so you don't get a set racoon eye. Or wear adjustable eywear such as Viewkeepers or Wink-Ease that are also disposable!

Brenda

[never2tan]

Great advice Brenda, thanks! I've been using super sunnies, and when I forget those I use those provided by my salon. I know they clean them, because I have seen them do it. They rotate the eyeware and clean the batches everyday...a wash basin with cleanser and toothbrushes, and good hot water. I trust their methods. LASIK is a great thing. I went from legally blind without correction to 20/20 4 hours after surgery. All of my occular imperfections were reporterdly fixed. My vision is great right now, I see things more clearly and without the headaches and blurs and everything else. I will do everything I have to to protect my eyes, and a little raccoon effect isn't going to bother me like the hassle of the cokes!!! Lasers are frickin cool!

[lilslayer79]

I've been to three salons in the past six years, and all had HUGE signs everywhere about wearing goggles. I walked into the first one with NO tanning experience, but I wore the goggles that were provided because I was too scared not to. Then I bought some peepers. I can't believe that people wouldn't wear anything! I've never had racoon eyes. And even if I did, I'd rather have that than no vision!

[Brenda at EyePro]

Lil,

50% of people don't wear any eye protection when they tan. I'm thrilled that all 3 of your salons had signs up about wearing eyewear. Unfortunately, salons don't want to "scare" their tanners, and they take risk with their eyesight instead!

Congratulations for tanning at top salons!

Brenda

[italianicee]

honestly,,, my salon has them behind the counter, and i jsut got done with my month unlimited, and not once did they say anything to me about eye care nor offer. so i guess in my own head i thought if the pros arent making a big deal of it, then maybe if i jsut keep my eyes closed really hard and dont open them , then its all good. thank god i became a member on iam tan or else i would know no better. i would like to try that eyeprotection from brenda, so i will email her too ! thanks guys for the very important info. my eyes are my best feature,,, wouldnt want anything to happen!

[Brenda at EyePro]

Italian,

You hit the nail on the head, "The pro's would have made a big deal of it". Your salon is not as professional as they should be! Many are worried that mentioning eyewear will scare you off of tanning--too bad that they risk your vision in doing so!

Brenda
30 million tanners this year can't be wrong!

[Sc0tt]

Personally with tanning, i'm more scared about eye damage than I am about skin damage. I know it may sound crazy, but my friend once told me "today i didnt tan with goggles because i had racoon eyes". i flipped on him and told him that if he wants night vision loss and everyting else that comes w/ out wearing goggles, then go ahead. I personally don't want to risk it.

[crazy44]

I tell my tanners they must wear eye protection and if they don't I will show them a nasty pic. of what can happen. Most people don't want to see something gross. When I find out they did not wear eye protection I show the pic. to them anyway. They do wear them now.

[Brenda at EyePro]

Big gold stars to Forever Tan and Crazy 44!

Brenda

[crazy44]

Thanks Brenda, Your eyesight can't be replaced once you lose it. I can never stress enough how important it is. So no gold stars for me cuz it's to important not to stress this. I do it to help save eyesight.

[njchica]

what type of eyewear do you use?

[Sunderella]

I have NO night vision from not being properly educated on this matter and wearing eye protection for almost 8 years.....My eye Dr became concerned and figured out what had happened in such a short period of time....Trust me I would rather have coon eyes anyday and be able to drive at night again....so for those that think oh...it won't really hurt anythign... think again

Some Salon owner's think that just putting the goggles in the room is enough...I thought it was a choice thing ( 8 years ago)and my mistake for not finding out what the dangers are...well I did find out the hard way

If you want to see what night blindness is like take about 10 sheets of crinkled up saran wrap and put it over your eyes and then see how well you can see the road after dark....you can't...just jumbled up light...

[njchica]

Sunderella, I only tanned without eyewear for TWO years... and have incredible difficulty driving at night. no one ever told me it was necessary or important or anything to do. My impression was that only super-cautious freaks used them.

well now I drive at night like a little old lady b/c the headlights have such huge halos.... (see loss of night vision thread)

I wish I knew about eyewear when I began to tan....

[Sunderella]

I baby the eyes now....Wear UV contacts and UV sunglasses outside even when it's cloudy..and definately in the bed....I wear eye winkeese...my uv contacts...plus keep my eyes closed..I take no chances anymorre...I wish I could still drive at night...even if it was like a little old lady...lol....
I hope Salon owners read these and start thinking about it more...Of course the ones that don't care I doubt are on any forum...sad but true

[CariFairy]

Do the winkeas really do the job? I wear googles and one time I forgot them and wore those. The girl at the counter said they work. They just seem odd?

[Mrc4608]

All eyewear should be FDA approved. The code should be on the box or package insert of any eyewear salons sell.

[NJDave]

I nver weer yeweer and habe no probem seeein

[Brenda at EyePro]

Hi CariFairy,

Yes, our Wink-Ease and Viewkeepers are disposable and FDA compliant and completely block the UV light. We have met FDA regs since 1984 and sell more eyewear than any other eyewear in the world! It's smart of you to check and make sure you are using valid products!

For more info, check with us at www.eyepro.net

Brenda Fishbaugh
President
Eye Pro, Inc.

[Mrc4608]

Quote:
On 2004-01-28 13:25, NJDave wrote:
I nver weer yeweer and habe no probem seeein

This is meant to be a joke, right NJDave?

[tan0h0lic]

well, i will admit i hardly ever wear goggles..and if i do its only for half of the session...But since ive been tanning, i have gotten glasses (recently actually)..and it is very hard to see at night and to see when im driving

[honeyrose29]

This thread is such good information. I have done the same thing and I am guilty of not wearing my eye protection when I was much younger. No one ever told me that I needed it and tanning beds were a new thing at that time . Luckily I do not have any damage from my mistake. However.. I only tanned for a few months, maybe once or twice a week. Not nearly as much as some of you did.. but once is too much.

I have my own set of peepers which I keep in my tanning bag. I always always wear them! I do move the elastic about halfway into the session, but I never remove them til the bed shuts off. I use make up for my raccoon eyes. You cannot even tell when I have my make up on.
My salon offers eye wear if you forget your own which is good. I have never had to use theirs and I don't plan on it.. but its nice to know I could. They also ask me about once every couple of weeks if I need to buy any lotion or eyewear and there is a big sign posted on the counter about the effects of uv damage.

I hope more people read this and faithfully wear their eyewear! Nothing can ever replace your eyes.

[Brenda at EyePro]

As a tanner, check out our website at www.eyepro.net and click on "Tanners". It will show you the gross pix online!

Salon owners, you can download magazine articles that explain eye damage as well as request a laminated counter mat of eye damage to show your tanners! www.eyepro.net

Brenda

[planetbeach9]

I have a customer that she tanned for years w/ out eyewear (like 6 years) and she started having problems w/ her vision last year and went to the eye doctor and he told her that her eyes were burning from the inside out from the uv damage. Luckily it was caught in time and he did corrective surgery and now she never tans w/ out the eyewear. I told her I wish she could be here every time I have someone tell me they don't need the eyewear. It seems it is mostly the teens that give us a hard time about it.

[Val]

I'm going to bring my winkease with to mexico to tan on the beach. I may look silly but at least my eyes will be protected and I won't have a sunglass line!

[Helweh]

i remember when i first started tanning i didn't know about goggles so i cut little cicles out of card board and put them on my eyes, haha!!! eye protection is sooooo important i don't want to go blind, we really have to make sure everyone is using eye protection, and the circles are easy to cover up with bronzing makeup.

[BebeBejbiBaby]

bump bump bump!! were getting some newbies and i hope they know about eye protection! jeff asked me what the goggles in my purse were for and i explained it to him

[ExtremeLisa]

When I first started tanning years ago, I remember the tanning salon mentioning the eyewear protection but at that age, I thought I just knew everything and didn't think I needed to wear them. Well, I'm glad I wisened up (and grew up) and started using them!

[BrownJen]

Bumping this up because it's an important topic!!

[Val]

I just got back from cancun. I had brought my winkease but didn't use them at the pool because I thought I'd look weird. well now I have burned eyelids. My eyes are all red and puffy around them and they hurt! I had prepared my body to be out in the sun by getting a good base. But my eyes had never been exposed!

[boobrandt]

Quote:
On 2004-04-18 15:30, Val wrote:
I just got back from cancun. I had brought my winkease but didn't use them at the pool because I thought I'd look weird. well now I have burned eyelids. My eyes are all red and puffy around them and they hurt! I had prepared my body to be out in the sun by getting a good base. But my eyes had never been exposed!


OUCH!

[BronzeBodyBoy]

I didn't wear eyewear for 2 years either because I didn't think they were that important. I even signed the eyewear statement saying I understood the importance of wearing the goggles when I tanned...now that I work there I realize how important it is to wear them...but I haven't worn them the last couple of times when I tanned...I don't like the white around my eyes, and wink-ease never stay on. Some of my co-workers don't wear them either, and they all say their vision is fine. I had been wearing them for a few months, until I realized I was getting lines. Now I will wear them about 3 out of 5 times I tan.


JOSH

[Sunderella]

Quote:
On 2004-04-18 15:30, Val wrote:
I just got back from cancun. I had brought my winkease but didn't use them at the pool because I thought I'd look weird. well now I have burned eyelids. My eyes are all red and puffy around them and they hurt! I had prepared my body to be out in the sun by getting a good base. But my eyes had never been exposed!


cold cucumber slices Val.....works good

[Brenda at EyePro]

Josh,

Click on the underlined words in your post and it will take you to our site that will show damage from not wearing eye protection. That damage is already starting and there is no way to reverse it. NO way to reverse it.

If your Wink-Ease are falling off, you have them upside down. The fold goes at the top. Try them that direction and you'll see they stick like glue!

If you are worried about raccoon eyes, take your eyewear off for the last two minutes of tanning. It's still dangerous, but less dangerous than what you are doing!

Take care of your vision!
Brenda

[Denise6655]

I wanted to keep this post up!

[MissIceCrmBooty]

Just so you know...your eye sight deterirates over the years...just because you are losing night vision doesnt necessarily mean its because you forgot to use eye protection while tanning. But of course always use protection- it reduces risks and unwanted problems! heehee.

[Brenda at EyePro]

Ice cream,

UV overexposure (indoors and outdoors) is the culprit for night vision loss and color vision loss. It does not have an effect on vision except by causing cataracts and macular degeneration, also caused by genetics.

Val,

You will have a GREAT time at the beach wearing Wink-Ease, everyone will come over and ask for samples. Sell them for $1 each and they will pay easily! Kids go nuts for them!

Brenda

[Cueball]

This is a very important topic. Everyone should wear their eyewear everytime. I am glad that a friend of mine told me about this before I started tanning because I would not have learned about it at the salon that I started out at. There were no goggles sitting on the counter or on the beds I had to ask for them. My first time ever tanning and they were not offered. The man working that day had no idea what he was talking about. He told me to turn over in a base bed. When I asked about facial tanners I was told they were illegal.

Two of the three salons I go to now have goggles sitting in the rooms. The other you have to ask for them at the counter. When I first started using the Ultrabronz I asked the woman working for advice on how to keep my goggles on when I flip over on my stomach so that they wouldn't fly off she told me that she didn't know because she never wears them. This was a person working at a salon, someone who should be educated in this area. I can understand how other tanners may not be informed but someone who works there should know better. I hope that she at least tells new customers to wear goggles. I think that if I worked at a salon I would never admit to not wearing goggles.

[KayleesMommy03]

Quote:
On 2003-05-05 11:23, Tamar wrote:
My daughter is by no means a ditz, but tanned for three years without eyewear. She now has night vision loss, 5 years later. You do not know what you have not been taught. We got into this industry to EDUCATE.

Providing free eyewear is a law in Texas and I carry a huge staple gun for those customers who do not take it seriously.


I live in texas at the salon I go to on the paper you fill out when you become a member or just to to tan you have to sign to say you will wear the eyewear. There is also a sign that says you have to wait at min 24 hours before you tan next as a state law. They take your licence number and information and enter you in the computer with a time stamp of when you tanned last.

[Denise6655]

keeping this up top for the newbies

[Cueball]

I think the newbies need to see this.

[BrownJen]

Quote:
On 2005-01-02 20:43:00, Cueball wrote:
I think the newbies need to see this.

Nice bump!!

[Dolphin_Key]

I totally agree about this! If you value your eyesight, you will wear salon approved quality eyewear!

[SnowAngel]

I am so thankful I found this site!! If I hadn't I would have been tanning every day, not using lotion and not wearing eyewear! I would have been in rough shape!! Thanks to everyone on iamTan for this wonderful site and giving such wonderful advice! You all rock!

[wannatan]

I always have problems with winkease, I still use them most of the time, but they always slip off at least once.

:: [X] ::

[Ashley Nicole]

I wish someone made goggles with more eyelash room. I have really long eyelashes and they always hit the goggles

[valifay]

I only read this page of the post, so sorry if I'm repeating info her...But, just a reminder to clean your eye wear often to prevent eye infections and to replace them atleast once a year.

[Cueball]

I actually thought of this thread when a friend of mine admitted that she always tans without eyewear. She said that as she gets older she has gotten more careful about protecting her face while tanning by putting a towel over it. I asked what kind of eyewear she uses and she said she doesn't. I think if it were me I would choose to protect my eyes before my face.

[ladyboss]

I've always used eye protection for indoor tanning but I never realized how important it was for outdoors also and I never used anything outdoors and I have lost my night vision. So remember your sunglasses when your out in the sun!

[RainCloud]

Quote:
On 2004-01-28 13:25:00, NJDave wrote:
I nver weer yeweer and habe no probem seeein

I can't tell...you saw this post OK? ?:

[jillybean]

I received my samples of Winkease and Viewkeepers from Brenda a couple months ago. (Just now getting around to posting!) I love these things. I can now lay on my belly to get an even tan (no more white spot on my butt!!) and not have to try to keep goggles on my face. I never used to tan on my belly because it was too much of an inconvenience to flip and reposition goggles. Now I just flip and they stay right where I put them!

I had my salon order the ViewKeepers for me, but I think I am going to get the Winkease next time. I still get raccoon eyes sometimes. But I have VERY narrow eyes. I think the Winkease might fit my eyes a little better, they seem a little narrower. The Viewkeepers would be better if you have rounder eyes. If I shrink the cone down enough to *just* cover my eyes, they aren't big enough length wise. If I pinch them tighter before I put them on my eye, I don't seem to get raccoon eyes, but then they don't have as much skin to stick to and sometimes I have to re-stick them mid-tan. Point is, these things are great, but they do take some playing around with to find your fit.

I use mine twice and then toss them. I don't know if you are really supposed to do that or not, but I've been doing it. I'm not recommending it, since I don't know if they lose their UV protection after one use or not.

Anyway, if you tan, you need to get these. They are so much better than goggles. You don’t have to worry about cleaning them, you just toss them after you’re done tanning! They aren’t expensive either. My salon asked me if I wanted to buy them individually as I tanned, or buy the whole bag. If you tan consistently, get the whole bag! That’s what I did; it will be cheaper in the long run that way.

[pinkbubbles]

i dont wear googles bc i dont tan my face i put a towel over it? is this ok?

[Oobladi]

Quote:
On 2005-02-17 00:38:00, pinkbubbles wrote:
i dont wear googles bc i dont tan my face i put a towel over it? is this ok?


No it isn't bubbles. Please wear your eyewear. You'll be glad that you did.

[tan_boi87]

My salon shows pictures of damaged eyes when you sign up to tan there, which is a very good thing. When I see people going into the salon withough goggles, I want to say, "I hope you enjoyed your night vision while it lasted!"

[vsminimoose]

Quote:
My salon shows pictures of damaged eyes when you sign up to tan there, which is a very good thing. When I see people going into the salon withough goggles, I want to say, "I hope you enjoyed your night vision while it lasted!"


ick, we have that at the salon I work at as well. But ummmm, what are you doing letting them go back there when you know they don't have eyewear?? at our salon...no eyewear....no tan session. Some people hate it, but I mean, what is their argument going to be? we arent doing it to be mean.

[JenniferO]

we keep goggles and a towel on every bed We disinfect our goggles after each person leaves. It drives me crazy to have girls come out and tell me that I dont need to disinfect the goggles because they didnt use them. I wish they all could read this site. I mean Ive been passing on so much information to our tanners since Ive come to this site.

[LucyLinda]

I leaned about the importance of eyewear in this forum. Before, I would use the googles once every two times. Now I know better! Fortunately I only did it for a month or so...

[BetterOffBlonde]

Eyewear is the one thing every tanner needs to have. Some of you may think that the salons sell eyewear to just make a dollar - that it isn't necessary. It is! You only get ONE PAIR of eyes. DON'T WASTE THEM!

[alohaeoe]

WORD TO THAT.

[Cueball]

Just bumping this up. It is an important topic.

[wonderwoman]

i was wondering why this old post was dragged out of the deep dark depths! my friend who works at the salon tells me there are still many people who refuse to wear their eye protection, its really too bad they will have to learn the hard way.

[Cueball]

That's exactly why I brought it up again. I also have a friend who refuses to wear them. The reason I thought of this is because I work with someone who has lost her night vision due to tanning. Now with winter coming we will be adjusting her schedule so she doesn't have to drive in the dark and can leave by 4 p.m.