It darkens the melanin in your skin and does so with little or no danger of burning. UVB light is the light responsible for sunburn and accounts for 2 to 3 percent of the output of tanning bed lamps. The optical effects of tanning are not always immediate. Over time, tanning bed users may experience corneal burns and cataracts. Corneal burns result from UVB light and symptoms include redness of the eyes and tearing.
Cataracts also appear over time and are permanent.
These are due to repeated exposure to UVA light and symptoms include clouding of the eye's lens, decreased night vision, and distorted color perception. Because tanning beds tan you via ultraviolet light, it is very important to stress the necessity of wearing eye protection. Federal law specifies that UV blocking goggles must be made available by the salon owners to clients free of charge. So if you must take the short cut and tan in a bed, be smart, wear the goggles provided, and do it in moderation.