Solar Eclipse 2017

Millions of people in the U.S. are preparing to view the solar eclipse next week!  Here are a few tips from your eye care professionals at Cleveland Eyecare in Shelby, NC.

Safety first!  Looking directly at the sun can burn the center of your retina and cause permanent vision loss.  Clinically we see this condition, solar retinopathy, in patients who were delusional or intoxicated at the time.  Staring at the sun is painful so this condition is rare, but very real. 

Looking at the sun through regular sunglasses or homemade “solar eclipse” glasses can be more dangerous than with the naked eye considering this may allow for longer viewing with less or no pain.  Even with approved solar eclipse glasses, it is smart to only glance at the eclipse rather than continually watching.       

Solar Eclipse glasses should be obtained through a reputable source.  NASA recommends the following criteria:

·      Glasses should have certification info with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard

·      Glasses should have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product

·      Do Not use if they are older than three years, or have scratched or wrinkled lenses

·      Do Not use homemade filters

·      Regular sunglasses, multiple pairs of sunglasses, or welding shields should not be used as a replacement for eclipse viewing glasses

The Safest Option, and Cleveland Eyecare’s official recommendation on viewing the eclipse: Tune in to “Eclipse Across America: Through the Eyes of NASA” with real-time coverage of the event from coast to coast. The nearly four-hour program will include unprecedented images of the Aug. 21 eclipse from numerous spacecraft -- including the International Space Station – high-altitude aircraft and balloons, and ground observations. Each will offer a unique vantage point for the eclipse. Additionally, the broadcast will include live coverage of activities in parks, libraries, stadiums, festivals and museums across the nation, and on social media. To watch the Aug. 21 NASA TV eclipse broadcast online and access interactive web content and views of the eclipse from these assets, visit:  https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive

Your Shelby, NC Optometrist

Cameron Street Hamrick