On April 8th, 2024, Canada will experience its first total solar eclipse since 1979. This amazing event occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely obstructing the sun’s light. While this phenomenon is a sight to behold, it’s crucial to remember that staring directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can seriously harm your eyes and vision.
Eclipse Blindness
Solar Retinopathy, sometimes referred to as retinal burning or “eclipse blindness”, is a risk associated with viewing a solar eclipse. It is a condition that occurs when exposure from the intense eclipse light causes damage to the light-sensitive retinal cells (in the back of the eye). The light from the sun during the panning phases of an eclipse are at its most harmful. So when you look at the sun without proper eye protection, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation may cause permanent harm to your retinal cells, and leading to vision loss and impairment.
The lasting effects of solar retinopathy can vary case by case. Often they include blurred or distorted vision, blind spots, and difficulty perceiving colors. In severe cases, it can cause permanent blindness, making it crucial to take precautions when viewing a solar eclipse.
Eye Protection
To safely view the total solar eclipse without damaging your eyes, it’s essential to use proper eye protection. The only safe way to view a solar eclipse directly is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. These filters are designed to block harmful UV and IR radiation while allowing you to see the eclipse’s beauty.
When choosing eclipse glasses or solar viewers, make sure they meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. This standard ensures that the glasses or viewers have been tested and certified to provide safe solar viewing. Additionally, check for any damage or scratches on the lenses. If there is any damage on the lens they will not protect your eyes from the eclipse.
If you wear prescription glasses, you can still use eclipse glasses or solar viewers by placing them over your regular glasses. However, make sure the solar filter completely covers your eyes and is securely attached to your glasses. Any gaps could expose your eyes to harmful radiation.
It is also important to remember, eclipse glasses are NOT REGULAR SUNGLASSES! Wearing regular sunglasses to view the solar eclipse will NOT protect your eyes from the harmful light.
Another safe way to view a solar eclipse is by using an indirect viewing method. A pinhole projector or a solar eclipse viewer, which projects an image of the eclipse onto a surface such as a piece of paper or cardboard. This method allows you to see the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.
Conclusion
While the total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, is an extraordinary event, it’s important to remember to prioritize your eye safety. Staring directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can severely damage your eyes and vision. Using proper eye protection such as eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, will help keep your eyes safe. Additionally, consider using indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors to safely enjoy the eclipse’s beauty without risking your vision.