Solar Eclipse: How to Protect Your Sight
Date: August 21, 2017
It’s not every day a solar eclipse happens, and when you have the rare opportunity to see a total eclipse of the sun, it’s something you don’t want to miss. Premier Medical wants everyone to enjoy the celestial phenomenon safely. Before you view the solar eclipse, please take the time understand the risks to your vision and how to protect your eyes.
Protect your peepers!
Do not look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, it’s unsafe. The only exception is during brief totality when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face (Mobile, AL will not experience totality). Looking directly at the sun can cause irreversible damage to your eyes. Dr. Duffey explains, “You could literally be left with a black spot in the very center of your vision that could be permanent.”
You’re probably wondering, why? According to Dr. Duffey, ”During a solar eclipse, the light radiation reaching our eyes is drastically increased.” He says it’s very close to what happens when you hold a magnifying glass in front of the sun over a piece of paper.
The only safe way to view a partial solar eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. Do not use sunglasses, they do not have the adequate protection your eyes need.
Watch Dr. Duffey and Dr. Ball share their advice on how to keep your eyes safe today:
