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Solar Eclipse and Eye Safety

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. And we feel it is important to educate the public regarding the risks associated with this magnificent phenomenon without damaging your eyes.

What you should know:

  • Everyone especially children should keep their eyes safe while viewing the sun with special solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
  • It is never safe to look directly at the sun, even while wearing sunglasses. Although, sunglasses may block harmful UV rays, they do not block harmful infrared or intense visible light that can cause solar retinopathy from staring at direct sunlight.
  • Permanent and irreversible vision loss may occur if solar eclipse glasses do not filer out 100% of harmful UV rays, are used incorrectly, or contain a manufacturing defect.
  • Solar eclipse glasses are made for adults, do not fit children well and should not be used without direct parental supervision.
  • Just like sunburn to the skin, the effects are not felt or noticed immediately. The powerful light can cause extensive, sometimes permanent eye damage, a condition called solar retinopathy.

Children and the Eclipse

Parents should be very concerned about the dangers of viewing the eclipse, especially for young children.  Young children may not understand the damage that are caused by simply peeking at the sun. Children could have a tendency to want to look around the filter to see what is happening and not be aware of the risks associated with looking at the sun directly.

It is important for parents to talk to their children about the dangers of looking at the sun before and during the eclipse.  Children will need extra supervision during this awe-inspiring event and we want to help you keep their vision safe.  If you plan on watching the eclipse, we strongly encourage you to watch on the TV.  Watching the eclipse on the TV is the safest way to see the sun without risking damaging your eyes.

Have fun and stay safe observing this miraculous event.

PS Feel free to share this post.

Sources:
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov
https://eclipse.aas.org
https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/resources/

 

Posted On: August 17, 2017 @ 5:55pm
Posted In: Uncategorized