Solar Eclipse Safety Concerns
According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, covering the sun’s light. A partial solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks some of the sun’s light, whereas a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon aligns with the sun and blocks all of the light. Regardless of the type of solar eclipse, everyone must be careful and wear appropriate eye protection when observing.
Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis, said:
The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way.
Moreover, looking at the sun even when its partially covered during an eclipse can cause eye damage. Dr. Yehia Hashad, an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb, said there is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation.
A very small dose could cause harm to some people. That’s why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that’s why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun.
Furthermore, some may say that during a total eclipse, it’s safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it. They say, even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse can temporarily or permanently damage your vision.
Solar Eclipse Special Glasses
When viewing the eclipse everyone must use eclipse glasses to protect their eyes. Even if when stack multiple pairs of sunglasses, they are insufficiently protective for viewing an eclipse. According to NASA, it is also worn to avoid staring at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars, or telescope, even when wearing eclipse glasses. Solar rays can burn through the lens, causing serious eye injury.
Additionally, NASA requires eclipse glasses to meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard and display a “ISO” label to demonstrate compliance. It is critical to understand that any amount of time spent looking at the eclipse without protection is too long.
If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it’s extremely brief, in some cases there won’t be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases, Brinton said.
Recall Glasses
In Addition, the Illinois Department of Health has advised eclipse viewers to check their glasses after one brand was recalled for failing to meet safety criteria. The glasses were recalled on Amazon and marketed as “Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 packs).” Some of the stores where these glasses were sold included:
- Farm Fresh Market, Breese.
- Highland True Buy, Highland.
- Perry County Marketplace, Pinckneyville.
- Sinclair Foods, Jerseyville.
Alternatives Ways to Watch a Solar Eclipse
If someone does not have the required safety glasses, do not worry; there are other types of eye protection everyone can use instead. Watching the light travel through the tree leaves. Looking into a modified cereal box. Angle a kitchen colander. Anybody can see the solar eclipse safely using these alternative ways, among others.
Watching the light move through tree leaves is an enjoyable way to witness the eclipse. Sunlight will cast small eclipses on the ground as it passes through holes in the leaves. Everyone will be able to follow the eclipse’s journey from beginning to end and witness a cool natural phenomenon.
Also, anyone can project small eclipses using a colander, much like with leaves. The light will pass through the little holes in a colander, creating a stunning display of tiny eclipses on the ground or on canvas. Sean Lindsay, senior lecturer and astronomy coordinator at UT, supports this method because it is a more direct and safe way to display the progress of an eclipse.
Moreover, with a pinhole projector, sunlight passes through the pinhole, producing a miniature image of the sun. If someone does not have eclipse glasses, the projector allows them to safely see the solar eclipse.
Overall, witnessing the eclipse is enjoyable; but, everyone should keep their eyes secure to avoid future life-changing injury and regrets.
Written by Nohemi Sanchez
Chicago Tribunes: Eclipse glasses recalled, Illinois health department says
Austin America Statesman: Don’t have glasses to watch today’s solar eclipse? Here are 7 safe alternatives
HEATHWATCH: Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain
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