On August 21, something very exciting is happening: a total solar eclipse, where the moon will pass in front of the sun and cause total darkness on the earth for 1 minute and 45 seconds. While this event is historical and fascinating for humans, it also comes with its fair share of danger: Staring at the eclipse can cause permanent eye damage, and if you look at the sun for too long, your eye can experience a solar burn, which will cause a permanent blind spot in your central vision. So, if you want to look at the eclipse while it’s happening, it’s essential for you to protect your eyes. Here are some helpful tips for keeping eyes healthy and safe during a solar eclipse.
Wear Eclipse Glasses or Viewers
One step you can take to protect your eyes during an eclipse is to wear glasses that have been created especially for the eclipse. According to the American Astronomical Society, these glasses meet the ISO 12312-2, which means they are certified for safe direct viewing of the sun. Be careful to buy real solar glasses and not counterfeit ones. NASA has created a site to outline reputable vendors of the viewers.
Keep Your Normal Glasses On
Even if you want to view the eclipse through glasses, you should keep your regular glasses or contacts on. This will help ensure you don’t strain your eyes or get injured in case you can’t properly see.
Set Cameras on Automatic (or Remote Control)
It’s not safe to look through your camera lens at the eclipse, either. Instead of looking through your camera to take a photo, set the camera on automatic so it can take photos without you needing to look through the lens.
While it’s important to take extra steps to take care of your vision during an eclipse, you should always be sure you pay attention to the health of your eyes. You can save money on regular eye exams using DentalSave’s EyeMed vision plan program. By becoming a member, you can save 20-40 percent on eyewear and eye care so that you ensure your vision stays sharp for years to come.
