August 18, 2017

Helpful Tips To Watch The Solar Eclipse

General Health

Safety is key when enjoying a solar eclipse

We have been told since childhood not to look at the sun. Unfortunately, on August 21st, that’s exactly what we will be doing when watching the solar eclipse.  The back of the eye, called the retina, can be permanently damaged, resulting in vision loss due to the intensity of the sun’s rays, a condition called solar maculopathy.

The safest way to watch the eclipse is with special glasses with the marking ISO 12312-2 (sold at local stores such as Wal-Mart or at the Dwight Foster Public Library) or with pinhole projectors (you can find information on how to make these online).  You cannot use standard sunglasses, even if they are 100% UV blocking.  The eclipse lenses are a thousand times darker, offering better protection against the sun’s rays.

The best possible way for watching the eclipse with children is truly under careful observation to insure they are properly wearing their eclipse glasses and not peaking around the edges or by watching the eclipse on TV or internet when peaking risk is too great.

Please be safe when watching the eclipse, if you notice any changes in your vision following the eclipse, contact your eye doctor immediately.

For a complete list of solar eclipse filter glasses, visit: eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

You can also check out Fort Atkinson Shopko Optical: https://optical.shopko.com/default.aspx