Submitted by: Northwest Eye Surgeons
On August 21, 2017, the United States will see a partial eclipse of the sun. Eleven states get to experience a total solar eclipse. If you plan to see the eclipse, be sure to protect your eyes. Dark sunglasses and homemade filters are not safe for looking at the sun. Looking at the sun without the right eye protection can permanently damage the back of your eye (retina). Avoid permanent damage with these tips from Whatcom Eye Surgeons.
Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse
- Inspect and ensure eclipse glasses or solar filters don’t have scratches or damage.
- Follow directions for the eclipse glasses or solar filter and help children use them properly.
- Do not remove glasses or filter while still looking at the sun.
- You may briefly look at the sun without a solar viewer during a total eclipse. Only remove your solar viewer when the moon completely covers the sun. As soon as the sun begins to reappear, use your viewer to watch the rest of the eclipse.
- Do not look at the sun or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope or binoculars.
Dr. Aaron Kuzin, glaucoma and cataract surgeon at Whatcom Eye Surgeons in Bellingham says, “A solar eclipse may be a once in a lifetime experience for many people and can be a truly awe-inspiring event. Watching the eclipse will be a memorable experience, but please don’t let it be ruined by not following the safety protocols for viewing this amazing event. Staring at the sun for even a short period of time without proper protection may cause permanent damage called solar retinopathy. Even the darkest sunglasses are not enough. “Eclipse glasses” must meet a standard known as ISO 12312-2. Many of our local libraries even offer these glasses for free. Please use good judgment and make this experience for you and your family, one that will never be forgotten.”
Recommendations for eclipse glasses or solar filters.
Headed to another state to get a better look of the eclipse? Find an event at a local planetarium, science center or club.
NASA’s live stream is another option for watching the eclipse.
People interested in watching the eclipse should take necessary precautions to protect their vision so they can enjoy the next solar eclipse in the central United States on April 8, 2024.