Droves of eclipse chasers set out on Friday to catch a prime viewing spot for Monday’s total solar eclipse, an event widely considered a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
The path of totality, which stretches from Texas to Maine and includes parts of southern Illinois, will be the center of attention. Uncertainty looms for millions, however, as clouds might block the view along portions of the path.
Meterologists are insisting that forecasts might still change and to wait and see what happens. Whether you’ll be catching a glimpse of the eclipse from home or watching from the path of totality, wearing approved glasses will be necessary, according to medical experts.
If not, you might be at risk for pretty serious damage.
NASA experts are calling Monday’s solar eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime event. Those who experience the eclipse in totality will be able to take off their glasses for a short period of time, according to the American Academy of Opthamology. It will be safe to remove eye protection during the period of totality, when the moon completely covers the sun.
But that will only last around four minutes or so, and you won’t want to keep your glasses off the entire time. As soon as the sun begins to reappear very slightly, you should immediately put your glasses back on, according to the AAO.
If you’ll be in the Chicago area or anywhere else where a partial eclipse will occur, it won’t be safe to remove your glasses at any point. Looking at the sun without the right eye protection — for even a short time — can permanently damage your retina. It can even cause blindness, called solar retinopathy.
While some people may recover their vision as their retina heals, many won’t, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. Plus, no reliable treatment for solar retinopathy exists, making the use of proper eye protection even more important.
For many patients who end up experiencing vision problems, the damage might not occur right away.
“It’s not really even obvious on an exam at first for those patients,” said Derek Price, an optometrist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “They’ll come in with a complaint, they’ll tell you I’m seeing a spot in my vision and that’s all you get. But then over the course of the next couple months, if they come back, then you can see where it’s degraded the retina itself. If it’s degraded… the photoreceptors in the back of the eye might be lost forever.”
If you’re still holding onto glasses from the 2017 solar eclipse and hope to reuse them, you might want to think twice, according to eye care professionals. Even if the glasses don’t have an expiration date, your best bet is to toss them.
“It’s recommended you purchase new glasses,” Dr. James Landrenau, a surgeon with the opthamology department at the University of Missouri Health Care, said. “If there are any types of scratches..even a fold in the material can be significant enough that it won’t offer you the full protection. So even the tiniest kink is enough to make it not up to standards.”
If you experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, you should visit your local doctor of optometry for an in-person, comprehensive eye exam, according to the American Optometric Association. Some common symptoms include:
– Loss of central vision
– Distorted vision
– Altered color vision
If you aren’t sure whether your glasses are up to the approved standard, here’s how to check. Real eclipse glasses will have curved lenses that are reflective and extremely dark, rather than transparent ones that look like sunglasses.
“Even if you have sunglasses on, it’s not recommended to look at the sun with those. It just wants to give you a little bit of UV protection,” Landrenau said. “But in this case, if you’re like doing direct viewing of the sun, you need something stronger.”
For those planning to see the eclipse through a camera, binoculars, or telescope, those devices alone won’t be enough. Special solar filters are needed to avoid eye damage, explained Nicole Bajic, a surgical ophthalmologist with the Cleveland Clinic.
The total solar eclipse presents an incredible opportunity for people to witness a natural phenomenon that is both awe-inspiring and potentially dangerous. With the increasing accessibility of information and the growing interest in celestial events, it is crucial for individuals to be well-informed regarding the proper precautions to take when observing such occurrences.
While the excitement surrounding the solar eclipse is understandable, it is important to prioritize safety and protect the eyes from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. The potential risks of not using appropriate eye protection cannot be overstated. Permanent damage to the retina can have debilitating consequences, including partial or complete loss of vision.
In order to fully enjoy the experience, it is imperative to have access to properly certified eclipse glasses. These glasses should adhere to specific standards and criteria to ensure optimal eye protection. It is paramount to thoroughly examine the glasses for any signs of damage, as even the slightest imperfection can compromise their effectiveness.
Furthermore, it is essential to follow the guidelines set by reputable organizations such as the American Academy of Opthamology and the American Optometric Association. Their recommendations regarding the duration of viewing without glasses and the necessity of immediate eye protection when the sun reemerges highlight the importance of being well-prepared and knowledgeable regarding the eclipse.
Looking towards the future, the popularity of celestial events is likely to continue to grow, with more individuals seeking opportunities to witness these extraordinary occurrences. As a result, it is crucial for there to be increased awareness and education surrounding the safe viewing of such events. Organizations, educational institutions, and the media should work hand in hand to disseminate accurate information and emphasize the potential risks involved.
In conclusion, the upcoming solar eclipse is a rare and remarkable event that offers a glimpse into the wonders of the universe. However, it is essential to approach it with caution and prioritize eye safety. By following the necessary precautions and utilizing certified eye protection, individuals can fully appreciate the beauty of the eclipse without compromising their vision. As the interest in celestial phenomena continues to grow, it is crucial for everyone to be well-informed and prepared for such events in order to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
