As you may already know, there will be a total solar eclipse in parts of North America on Monday, April 8th. As we prepare for this exciting phenomenon, it is important to share a few tips for a safe and enjoyable viewing experience.
First and foremost, it’s very dangerous to look directly at the sun, even during a solar eclipse. Looking directly into an eclipse for even a few seconds can cause permanent damage to the retina, which is the part of the eye most directly responsible for vision. This risk is particularly acute given that the retina has no sensitivity to pain, and the damage from looking at an eclipse may not be felt directly for several hours after the damage has been done.
Here are a few tips to safely view the eclipse without damaging your eyes:
- Do not look at the eclipse with the naked eye or through an unfiltered optical device (such as binoculars or a telescope).
- You need a special solar filter to watch the eclipse through a camera, telescope, or binoculars.
- Protect your eyes using solar viewing glasses, which are specially designed to keep your eyes safe from sun damage.
- Do not place any flammable object or substance near the eyepiece of your glasses or pinhole projector, as concentrated sunlight can cause a fire.
If, for some reason, you do look directly into the eclipse, seek treatment from an eye care professional if your vision begins to worsen.
Most importantly, we encourage you to have fun. This is a unique and exciting event that does not occur often, and we should all take a moment to make the most of it.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
