What could be a consequence of not using protective eyewear?

Not using protective eyewear during tanning can lead to severe eye damage. The intense ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by tanning beds or from the sun can cause a range of eye issues, including photokeratitis, which is akin to sunburn for the eyes, and more serious conditions such as cataracts or retinal damage. The eyes are particularly sensitive to UV radiation, and prolonged exposure without appropriate protection can result in long-lasting and detrimental effects on vision. Protective eyewear is specifically designed to block harmful UV rays from reaching the eyes, thereby safeguarding against these potential injuries.

The other options involve issues related to the skin or tanning outcomes, but only eye damage directly results from neglecting the use of eyewear.