Your Eye Health Matters: Tips for Safely Viewing the Solar Eclipse

One of the rarest sights is witnessing a total solar eclipse. Similarly, your vision is invaluable. However, looking directly at a partial or total solar eclipse can lead to blindness. Our optometrists at Eye Care Center-Ballantyne in Charlotte can assist you in protecting your vision and maintaining eye health.

Can Regular Glasses Protect Your Eyes?

Even if the regular sunglasses you typically wear are very dark, they cannot adequately protect your eyes. In fact, doing so can be dangerous and may result in retinal damage, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. Likewise, viewing a solar eclipse through unfiltered binoculars, a telescope, or a camera can cause harm to your eyes. Additionally, homemade filters are neither sufficient nor safe for viewing a solar eclipse. If you wish to prioritize your eye health, consider searching for an optometrist near you.

Tips for Viewing a Solar Eclipse

• Never gaze directly at the sun, even for a brief moment.
• Use special eclipse glasses or a solar viewer designed for safe eclipse viewing.
• Before using your solar filter, carefully inspect it for any damage, such as scratches. If you notice any damage whatsoever, discard the solar filter.
• Read and follow all instructions provided for using the solar filter.
• Supervise children to ensure they use the solar filter safely and correctly.
• During a total eclipse, it is safe to view the sun without a solar viewer. However, as soon as you notice the sun starting to reappear even slightly, resume using the solar viewer.
• When you are ready to stop using your solar viewer, remove it after turning around. Simply keep your eyes shielded with the solar viewer as you turn your back to the sun. Afterward, you can safely remove the solar viewer.

Contact an Optometrist Near You

If you are uncertain about your next steps, our doctors of optometry at Eye Care Center-Ballantyne in Charlotte can provide assistance. Contact our team today at (704) 541-5500 to learn more or schedule an appointment.