Eclipse Information
From: Hunterdon Family Eye Care
To: Our local schools and all our patients
Eye safety should always be the number one priority when viewing a solar eclipse. For more information on upcoming eclipses and essential eye safety, read on.
Solar Eclipses
According to the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA), an eclipse is an awe-inspiring celestial event that drastically changes the appearance of the two biggest objects we see in our sky: our Sun and Moon.
Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse is unsafe and can cause temporary or even permanent damage to your eyes. Before viewing this natural phenomenon, learn more about proper eye safety to keep your eyes healthy.
Annular Vs. Total Solar Eclipse
An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth while it is near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the star – creating a “ring of fire” effect in the sky. The most recent annular solar eclipse took place on October 14, 2023.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses or viewers for a brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun.
Total Solar Eclipse: April 8, 2024
A total solar eclipse will cross the United States passing over Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
It will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044! So, let’s get those peepers prepped for viewing.
Tips for viewing a total solar eclipse
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it’s not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
1. 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 or solar viewer 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.
2. Totality awesome. Only within the path of totality—and once the moon completely blocks the sun—can eclipse viewers safely be removed to view totality. Once the sun begins reappearing, however, viewers must be replaced.
3. Visit your doctor of optometry or ophthalmology. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit your local doctor of optometry or ophthalmology 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.
Symptoms from Incorrect Viewing
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 local doctor of optometry or ophthalmology for an in-person, comprehensive eye exam. Some common symptoms include:
· Loss of central vision,
· Distorted vision, and
· Altered color vision.
All symptoms should be treated as urgent until viewed by a doctor of optometry or ophthalmology. If you suspect an eye or vision problem, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor of optometry or ophthalmology – this is the best way to combat potentially severe complications, including vision loss.
For more information, visit the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) website to download fact sheets from the AAS in English or Spanish.