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On April 8th, the skies of North Texas will witness this mesmerizing celestial event – the 2024 Solar Eclipse. As your trusted partners in eye health, we’re excited to provide answers to common questions to ensure your vision remains protected. 

Top 3 Safe Viewing Practices: 

  1. Utilize Certified Eclipse Glasses or Handheld Solar Viewers: Before and after totality, rely on certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to observe the partial phases of the eclipse safely. These specialized devices filter out harmful rays, allowing you to experience the event without risking your vision. 
  2. Direct Viewing During Totality: During the brief period of totality, when the moon completely obscures the sun, it is safe to view the eclipse directly without eye protection. However, ensure that the sun’s bright face is entirely covered before looking directly at it. Once any part of the sun reappears, promptly resume using eclipse glasses or a solar viewer. 
  3. Find a recommended Vendor for Solar Eclipse Glasses: 
    We recommend purchasing eclipse glasses and viewers from reputable vendors endorsed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. These preferred vendors adhere to strict safety standards, ensuring your eye protection. Visit AAO Preferred Vendors for a list of trusted suppliers. Approved Vendors:  Suppliers of Safe Solar Viewers & Filters | Solar Eclipse Across America (aas.org)

Top 10 questions Answered: 

No, it is never safe to look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Doing so can cause severe and permanent damage to your eyes. 

Staring at the sun during an eclipse can result in solar retinopathy, a condition where the sun’s intense light damages the cells in the retina, leading to vision loss or blindness. 

To safeguard your vision, always use certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet safety standards and block harmful solar radiation. 

No, regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection for viewing the sun during an eclipse. You must use specialized eclipse glasses or viewers. 

Totality is the brief period during a solar eclipse when the moon completely covers the sun. It is safe to look directly at the sun only during totality when no part of the sun’s bright face is visible. 

Eye damage from solar exposure can occur within seconds, especially during an eclipse when the sun’s intensity may seem reduced, leading people to mistakenly stare at it longer. 

Children are at the same risk as adults when it comes to eye damage from solar exposure. It’s essential to ensure they use proper eye protection during the eclipse. 

If you accidentally looked at the sun during an eclipse, give your eyes a break immediately and seek shade or go indoors. If you experience any vision changes or discomfort, consult an eye care professional. 

Yes, you can create a pinhole projector or use indirect viewing methods, such as projecting the eclipse’s image onto a surface, to observe the event safely without looking directly at the sun. 

Purchase certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers from reputable vendors recommended by organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Avoid homemade filters or uncertified glasses, as they may not provide adequate protection. 

Find Certified Eclipse Viewer

By following these safe viewing practices and heeding the advice provided, you can enjoy the eclipse’s beauty without compromising your vision. Remember, at Sweeney Eye Associates, your eye health is our top priority. Enjoy the eclipse responsibly and may your viewing experience be both memorable and safe! 

Have More Questions? Contact Us