Americans from Oregon to Texas will have the chance to see a rare celestial show this weekend as the “ring of fire” solar eclipse is set to dazzle across sky — but before gazing up, experts say don’t look directly at it without proper protection.
Dr. Annie Nguyen, an ophthalmologist at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, cautioned that the sun’s UV rays possess significant strength, capable of harming the delicate retina. The retina, responsible for visual acuity or the utmost clarity in our vision, is particularly vulnerable to such damage.
Annular solar eclipses happen when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while the moon is at the farthest point from Earth, according to NASA. The moon will partially cover the sun as it passes, creating a “ring of fire” effect.
According to Nguyen, one might assume that the darkest sunglasses can effectively block most of the rays. However, even sunglasses labeled as 100% UV protective are not suitable for directly viewing the sun.
Instead, you must use specific solar viewers or filters to safeguard your eyes when observing a solar eclipse. Seek out glasses that hold the certification ISO 12312-2 and ensure that they are not expired or damaged. Additionally, verify that the vendor selling the glasses is approved by the American Astronomical Society.
NASA has also shared tips on how to safely photograph the eclipse.
The damage could become irreversible if not adequately protected.
According to Nguyen, it may take anywhere from 12 hours to a few days to truly observe the extent of the damage.
She mentioned that since the retina does not have pain receptors, one would not experience any pain.
If you observe any decrease in vision, dark spot, or color distortion after witnessing this weekend’s annual solar eclipse, it is important to promptly reach out to your eye doctor.
- How to watch the rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse this weekend
