On April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse (where the moon crosses directly in front of the daytime sun) will be visible for most of North America. Before it arrives there are a few key things you should know:
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What kind of glasses do I need to watch the solar eclipse?
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How can I safely look at the solar eclipse?
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How will I know if my eyes are damaged from the solar eclipse?
Read below to find out more.
Highlights from American Osteopathic Association
Eye Safety & Finding Proper Protection
The sun is never completely blocked by the moon during an annular solar eclipse – and it’s never safe to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection.
“Eclipse blindness” occurs when eyes are exposed to the sun and the light exposure damages or destroys cells in the retina. These retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy, can be temporary or permanent with no associated pain. Sunglasses, unfiltered telescopes, and polarizing filters are not safe to use to view an eclipse.
Tips for viewing an annular solar eclipse
Use approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. Inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use – if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device.
Technique of the pros. Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses before looking up. After viewing, turn away and remove your glasses or viewer — do not remove them while looking at the sun. If you normally wear eyeglasses, wear your eclipse glasses over them, or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.
Visit your doctor of optometry. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit your local doctor of optometry for a comprehensive eye examination.
Keep in mind! Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses – regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun.
How will I know if my eyes have been damaged from the solar eclipse
It can take a few hours to a few days after viewing the solar eclipse to realize the damage that has occurred. If you experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit your Simon Eye location for an in-person, comprehensive eye exam. Some common symptoms include:
- Loss of central vision
- Distorted vision
- Altered color vision
All symptoms should be treated as urgent until viewed by your Simon Eye optometrist. If you suspect an eye or vision problem, make an appointment immediately – this is the best way to combat potentially severe complications, including vision loss.
Following Highlights from NASA – Solar Eclipse
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed, partially eclipsed, or annularly eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun; they transmit far more sunlight than is safe for our eyes.
Instructions for the Safe Use of Solar Filters and Viewers
- Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.
- Always supervise children using solar filters.
- If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on.
Put your eclipse glasses on over them or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.
- Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After looking at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter – do not remove it while looking at the Sun.
- Do not look at the uneclipsed, partially eclipsed, or annularly eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
- Similarly, do not look at the Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing your eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer in front of your eyes — the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.
- Seek expert advice before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device; note that solar filters must be securely attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics
Click here to learn more about buying the right eclipse eye protection.
