On Monday, millions of people will look up at the sky in awe as they witness a total solar eclipse. An ophthalmologist explains how to protect your eyes when viewing this rare phenomenon.
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CLEVELAND - On Monday, millions of people will look up at the sky in awe as they witness a total solar eclipse.
But looking at this rare phenomenon may lead to lifelong damage if you’re not wearing the proper eye protection.
“It’s recommended to use eclipse glasses that are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for filters to view the sun directly,” explained Nicole Bajic, MD, surgical ophthalmologist with Cleveland Clinic. “Even though this is an exciting and rare event, you don’t want to damage your vision for the rest of your life by not protecting your eyes.”
Dr. Bajic said looking directly at the sun without eclipse glasses can lead to temporary or even permanent vision loss.
She stresses it’s important to have your eye protection on before looking at the sun.
Only those in what’s called the path of totality can briefly take off their eclipse glasses when the moon is completely blocking the sun. You must put the glasses back on as soon as you start to see the sun again.
Since those outside the path of totality will only be viewing a partial solar eclipse, they must wear their special glasses the entire time. That’s because the moon doesn’t completely block the sun at any point during a partial eclipse.
“It's really important to know whether you’re in the path of totality or not. If you're not, you must wear proper eye protection the entire time,” Dr. Bajic said. “There is never a safe time to take off the glasses during a partial solar eclipse.”
If you look at the sun directly without protection, Dr. Bajic said you may experience symptoms such as blurred vision or blind spots.
It’s important to follow up with an eye doctor if you develop any vision changes.
Dr. Bajic adds children are more at risk for eye damage from looking at the sun directly without protection, so make sure they’re properly wearing eclipse glasses as well.
Editor’s Note: Two social videos are available to embed in web stories of Dr. Bajic going over eclipse safety tips. Please find links to the videos below.
Video 1: How To Protect Your Eyes When Viewing the Total Solar Eclipse
YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZrBl6kzWtI?si=U0ktjg3wg6zUpVIA
X: https://twitter.com/ClevelandClinic/status/1766087144303661392
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4QYjumgt2r/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clevelandclinic/video/7343738120648838446
Video 2: Why You Need To Protect Your Eyes When Viewing Total Solar Eclipse
YouTube: https://youtu.be/mqDSBLuivDQ?si=s0FM9HJBVvqfIF0F
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