Canadians are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime chance in early April, but there are certain health hazards to be aware of. As Canadians prepare, a complete solar eclipse will occur over North America, including Mexico and the United States.
While solar eclipses occur every 18 months, many of them are invisible to the naked eye. This is because the bulk of solar eclipses passes over the Pacific and Atlantic seas for around 60 percent of the time. That is why the forthcoming total solar eclipse is generating news.
What Is A Total Solar Eclipse?
According to NASA, a total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, totally obscuring the Sun and bathing the Earth in darkness as if it were day or twilight.
What Are Some Health Risks When It Comes To A Solar Eclipse?
As the total solar eclipse draws near, it’s important to consider the potential health risks associated with large-scale events. While traffic congestion may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can significantly impact access to essential supplies, potentially affecting the health of residents.
Let’s say somebody relies on medication. They may be unable to get to the pharmacy because of the traffic congestion. So, there are some very unique aspects and people can prepare for that.
Despite the allure of the eclipse, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential health risks. Large gatherings can increase the risk of injury and transmission of infectious diseases like measles or the flu. Medical professionals strongly advise individuals to take necessary precautions, like distancing or wearing masks, especially in enclosed spaces, and ensure they’re up-to-date on vaccines for diseases like measles.
One of the most significant health risks associated with a solar eclipse is also one of the most obvious: staring directly into the Sun. This danger persists whether it’s the day of an eclipse or not, as highlighted by Dr. Martin Spiro, President of the Canadian Associate of Optometrists.
RELATED: Did You Damage Your Eyes Viewing The Eclipse? Here’s How To Tell
Why Is A Solar Eclipse So Dangerous To Look At?
“Damaging the retina is definitely the most serious risk,” Spiro warns of gazing straight into an eclipse. “And the one that could cause permanent vision loss.”
Looking directly at an eclipse may burn a similar pattern onto your retina, resulting in central vision loss, a disease known as 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 list of reputable vendors on its website. In addition, many local libraries and universities nationwide offer free glasses for a limited time. It’s best to stock up in advance and consult your optometrist if you have any concerns.
When witnessing the eclipse with youngsters, Spiro emphasizes the need of explaining how to correctly utilize the glasses. “How we use them is you put on the eclipse glasses first while not looking at the sun and then look at the sun,” he says. Spiro recommends that you remove your spectacles when facing away from the sun.
“If proper safety precautions are taken into account, it’s definitely not something I shudder at and fear [as an optometrist],” Spiro says. “We encourage everyone to enjoy it because it’s a very worthwhile phenomenon to partake in.”
How Can I Tell If Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Legitimate?
According to a Global News article, as the solar eclipse approaches, there is an increase of counterfeit eclipse glasses on the market, posing a serious risk to customers. Fake glasses may not provide appropriate protection, resulting in eye harm while witnessing solar events.
Last week, the American Astronomical Society warned that phony eclipse glasses were “polluting the marketplace.” In February, Amazon removed counterfeit product listings, and a spokeswoman informed Global News that “it continuously monitors its store and takes action to maintain a safe selection for customers, including removing non-compliant products.”
Experts emphasized the importance of buying glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for safe solar viewing. One option is the Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses, produced in the USA by NASA-approved manufacturer American Paper Optics. The American Astronomical Society also recognizes the product and is verified for authenticity through the Amazon Transparency Program.
According to the AAS, you shouldn’t be able to see anything through proper eclipse glasses. You should only be able to see very bright lights faintly. “If you can see anything else, such as household furnishings or pictures on the wall, your glasses aren’t dark enough for solar viewing,” the agency warned.