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In just a few hours, skywatchers across the United States, Mexico, Canada and parts of North America are set to witness the rare and highly anticipated total solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely or partially covering the face of the Sun. People from all over the world frequently travel to places that offer spectacular views of such astronomical events for an unforgettable experience. However, in the excitement of experiencing this visual delight, one should not forget the basic precautions that should be followed during the astronomical event. (Also Read | Total Solar Eclipse 2024: What is the ‘Planetary Parade’ and how to watch it? Here’s everything you need to know)
First of all, is it safe to view the solar eclipse with naked eyes or glasses? In case of partial solar eclipse the answer is no. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, special-purpose solar filters or eclipse glasses that meet the worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2 should be worn when viewing it. In the total phase of the eclipse, which lasts for a few minutes, one can remove eye protection, but as soon as the partial eclipse phase begins again, they should be worn immediately.
If you are also in a location from where the total solar eclipse of April 8 will be visible, you need to follow some preventive measures to protect your eyes from blindness and other temporary or permanent eye problems.
It is important to remember that watching a solar eclipse is dangerous for the eyes and can cause eye damage. One should never view the unobstructed or partially eclipsed Sun through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars or other similar devices and should only use eclipse glasses.
Looking at the Sun even during a solar eclipse can harm your eyes. People may underestimate the brightness of the Sun and look directly at it.
“Since solar radiation is strong enough to burn the retina even during an eclipse, one must be careful. While most people think that an eclipse blocks enough of its light to be safe, in fact, it does No. In fact, says Dr Shibal Bhartiya, Additional Director – Ophthalmology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, “Solar radiation is equally dangerous for the eyes regardless of the eclipse.”
How can watching a solar eclipse harm your eyes?
“Looking at the Sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause irritation to the retina. This is also known as solar retinopathy. Direct exposure to the Sun’s rays damages the retina’s sensitive neurons (backlight Sensitive parts (of the eye) may be destroyed, resulting in loss of vision,” says Dr. Bhartiya.
Symptoms of eye damage due to solar eclipse
One may experience temporary or permanent problems after viewing a solar eclipse. Its symptoms may appear after a few days or even weeks.
“Normally there is no pain. Damage can be seen within a few hours. Sometimes the side effects of solar eclipse do not appear immediately and develop over a few days to weeks. Therefore, be very careful during It is very important. Solar eclipse,” says the eye specialist.
Main symptoms include:
- Loss of central vision (solar retinopathy)
- permanent blind spots
- distorted vision
- altered color vision
How to protect your eyes from damage during solar eclipse?
- Do not look directly at the sun.
- In fact, even homemade filters or sunglasses do not provide protection.
- If you want to view the eclipse, use special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, to view the eclipse.
- Do not look at the Sun through a camera, telescope, binoculars or other optical equipment and never use solar filters with these devices. In fact, concentrated solar rays can damage these, and hence, cause serious injury to the eyes.
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