Heres what experts say about the risks and how to watch safely.
(Be sure to check out oureclipse viewing guide here.)
But none of thats true, he cautioned.
The right way to do it: Visitors at Kennedy Space Center watch the eclipse through eclipse glasses on August 21, 2017.Photo: NASA
Such filters are at least 1,000 times darker than even the darkest sunglasses.
Regular sunglasses, even when doubled, or welders masks, dont come remotely close to these filtration levels.
False sense of security
The problem is that eclipses create a false sense of security.
Image showing solar retinopathy—the darkened area at center—of a 15-year-old male who gazed directly at a solar eclipse.Image: This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank® website. Author Theodore Leng, MD, MS. Photographer NA. Title Solar Retinopathy. Retina Image Bank. Year 2013; Image Number 5041-4. © the American Society of Retina Specialists.
Its easy to get the mistaken impression that theres hardly any light that could be damaging our eyes.
The retina, a very sensitive part of our eye, is at risk during these events.
The retina is an extension of the brainits a pure neural web link back there.
Unfortunately, this delicate structure can be irreparably harmed by intense light.
This makes diagnosis challenging, as the damage from light or heat doesnt always appear severe at first.
Despite its deceptive mild presentation, its a serious condition for the eyes.
Most people who have solar retinopathy dont really know when they got it, Benner said.
Damage isnt instantly painful, leading to delayed awareness.
He likened it to a sunburn where its not clear that damage has been done until several hours later.
Over time, this unresolved damage can lead to scarring, resulting in visual impairments like holes in vision.
The most severe consequence of solar retinopathy is the loss of central vision.
Benner likens this to creating a hole in an old photographic negative with a paper hole punch.
Other effects include permanent changes in color perception, distortion of vision, light sensitivity, and headaches.
Once that tissue has been damaged, its up to the body to give a shot to repair it.
There is no medication, there is no treatment, there are no workarounds.
And thats why we take this so seriously, because once its done, its done, he said.
Not worth the risks
The risks are particularly concerning for children.
Parents may be keen to have their children witness an eclipse but to guide and control them effectively.
Indeed, these guidelines are complicated enough for adults, let alone children.
Its challenging to determine at what point the sunlight becomes harmful.
Therefore, avoid taking any risks, he said.
If youre keen on observing the eclipse closely, its safer to watch it on TV or online.
So enjoy the upcoming eclipse, but remember to do so safely by usingproper eye protectionwithout risking your vision.
And remember that critical string of letters and numbers: ISO 12312-2.
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