Health Risks of the Eclipse and Instructions
- The only health risk to watching a solar eclipse involves the eye, and namely the retina, the inner most portion of the eye. Focusing on an object requires the macula, which is the central most portion of the retina, the area where the photoreceptors are packed the closest together for your best visual acuity. Watching a solar eclipse without eye protection or with insufficient eye protection, for even as short a time duration as seconds, can result in irreversible and permanent loss of vision. This loss of vision is the result of ultraviolet wavelengths and to a slightly lesser degree infrared radiation.
- Everyone is familiar with the technique of using a high powered lens to focus the sunlight on leaves or paper to start a fire. This is because of the heat generated by the sun’s ultraviolet wavelengths and infrared radiation. It is this ultraviolet light and infrared radiation that can burn the macula resulting in permanent loss of the eye’s most critical central vision. This damage is often referred to as retinal burn, solar burn, or solar retinopathy. There are no pain sensors in the retina so the eclipse burn, also called solar retinopathy, is painless. Full effects of the burn will not be manifested until 12-24 hours after the occurrence. There is no treatment or cure. The total solar eclipse will be beautiful and magnificent to view but carries extreme danger if the proper eye protection is not utilized.
- Clean lenses with only a soft cloth and warm water.
- Store lenses in a dry place and do not subject to extreme heat or cold.
- Dispose of any loose fitting, scratched chipped or cracked lenses.
- Make sure glasses are in place and covering both eyes completely. Do not view the eclipse by looking around, over, or under the lenses.