solar retinopathy. “In extreme cases, [this would include] difficulty with fine vision, like reading or recognizing faces,” Spiro goes on to say.
The optometrist observes that youngsters have a higher physical risk since their pupils are bigger, resulting in more exposure to the Sun.
These effects may not be immediate, occurring hours or even days after the eclipse, and the duration of direct sunlight exposure may influence the result. The longer we are exposed and gazing at the Sun, the greater the risk of irreversible damage to the back of the eye. If you suspect your eyes were impacted by an eclipse, visit an optometrist.
Is It Worse Than Looking Directly At The Sun On A Regular Day?
It’s never a good idea to look straight at the Sun, because it may cause lasting damage to the back of the eye, perhaps burning your retina depending on how long you stare at it and how bright it is. While unsafe on a normal day, since humans lack receptors on their retinas to detect whether they are being impacted, the glare and brightness of the Sun compel us to become uncomfortable and automatically turn away.
When the Sun is partially obscured by an eclipse, that natural inclination is diminished, which means we may be less inclined to look away from it or feel comfortable staring at it for extended periods. The potential injury, however, remains the same regardless of whether there is a glare.
It is less painful to gaze at the Sun during the eclipse, but the damage is the same – and here is where the safety issues arise.
How Can I Safely Watch A Solar Eclipse?
The good news is that there are several methods — and equipment — to safely witness this historic event. The most secure method to observe the eclipse is using a pair of optometrist-approved solar eclipse viewers. These glasses are particularly authorized for eclipse viewing and comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2.
Regular sunglasses, even ones with an extremely dark tint, cannot protect your eyes. Viewing the eclipse using a camera, phone lens, or telescope is not safe.
While you might be able to snag a cheap pair of glasses at some retailers, it’s best to purchase one from a list of reputable vendors. Where you buy these viewers matter. While you can find eclipse glasses on Amazon for a steal, the American Astronomical Society currently has a