National health care organizations highlight risks of indoor tanning

WASHINGTON — The American Academy of Ophthalmology joined other national health care organizations at a congressional briefing to highlight the risks of exposure to ultraviolet light from indoor tanning.
"Physicians from these organizations are concerned about the impact of indoor tanning on the public's health, particularly young women," a press release from the American Academy of Dermatology stated.
Studies have shown that UV radiation exposure from indoor tanning can lead to eye damage, according to the press release.

"The AAO is committed to educating people that the eyes are at risk from UV exposure during indoor tanning," AAO president Richard L. Abbott, MD, said in the release. "Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids."
The AAO will designate July as UV Safety Month and continue its campaign to educate the public about the dangers and risks of UV radiation exposure.