Final answer:
Federal regulations require tanners to wear protective eyewear that blocks out UVB rays, which are harmful solar wavelengths that can cause eye damage. Protective measures like sunscreens and sun protective clothing also help shield the skin from both UVA and UVB radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Federal regulations mandate tanners to wear protective eyewear that blocks out UVB rays. UVB rays have wavelengths between 280-320 nm and are particularly harmful to the skin, capable of causing sunburns and increasing the risk of skin cancer. While the body's natural melanin can absorb some UV radiation to protect deeper skin tissue and help in tanning, it has its limits. Thus, wearing protective eyewear while tanning is an important safety measure to prevent eye damage from these harmful solar wavelengths.
In addition, sun protective clothing and the use of sunscreens or sunblocks are widely recommended. Notably, sunscreens help to shield the skin from both UV-A and UV-B radiation. As UV-A rays have longer wavelengths of 315-400nm and are not as energetic as UVB, it's crucial that tanners ensure their eyewear specifically blocks out UVB rays for adequate protection.