Safe Solar Eclipse Viewing

According to the American Astronomy Society, a solar eclipse will be visible across most of North America on April 8th, 2024. Parts of the United States are expected to be in the path of a total eclipse.

Viewing an eclipse, especially a total eclipse, is a memorable experience, but it is vital you do so safely to avoid eye injury. 
​

What happens in a solar eclipse? 

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun from view. If it blocks only a portion of the sun, it is known as a partial eclipse. A total eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks out the sun and, by definition, is preceded and followed by a partial eclipse. A total eclipse only lasts for a few minutes (between the partial ecplises), but it creates a brief period of darkness and is a unique thing to view.   

The solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, will be a total eclipse. However, some parts of North America will only see a partial eclipse. 

According to NASA, when watching a partial solar eclipse, you must look through safe glasses, called eclipse glasses, or a safe handheld solar viewer to protect your eyes. 
​

Can you sustain eye damage from a solar eclipse? 

You can sustain eye damage and even vision loss from viewing a partial eclipse without proper eye protection.
 
Staring directly into the sun during a partial eclipse can cause solar retinopathy, which is caused by too much UV light entering the retina. 

The sun's light can destroy the cells in the retina, and this damage can be temporary or permanent. Solar retinopathy can lead to various symptoms, including pain, blurred vision, damage to the eye, and vision loss. Damage can occur quickly. So, do not be tempted to take a quick peak without eclipse glasses during a partial eclipse. Realizing the damage can take a few hours after viewing the eclipse. 
​

Safety guidelines for viewing an eclipse 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology established recommendations for solar eclipse viewing. During the partial eclipse phase, the moon gradually covers some of the sun. When observing the sun during a partial eclipse, it is essential to wear eclipse glasses. 

Next, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun. This only lasts one to two minutes, between the partial eclipse phases. For a brief time, the daylight sky changes to twilight. According to the AAO, you may remove eye protection during this brief period. 

But you must put eye protection back on as soon as that total eclipse is over and it becomes a partial eclipse again. This partial phase starts as the moon moves away from the sun again. 

Additional recommendations for solar eclipse viewing 

Below are additional ways to enjoy the solar eclipse and prevent eye damage. Consider the following tips: 

• It is essential to take eye safety seriously when viewing an eclipse. It only takes a brief time to cause damage to the eyes. 
• Check your solar glasses for punctures or cracks. Make sure they are in good condition. 
• If you wear eyeglasses, you can keep them on, but place your eclipse glasses over them. 
• Remember, sunglasses are not safe for solar eclipse viewing.
• Do not look at the solar eclipse through an unfiltered telescope, binoculars, or camera. This can lead to severe eye injury. If you do use this type of equipment, make sure it has a special-purpose solar filter over the front of the lens. 

We hope you have the chance to view the solar eclipse. Enjoy the experience and protect your vision. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.