A total solar eclipse is passing over North America on April 8, and while Memphis is not directly in its path of totality, we will be able to see a partial eclipse. This astronomical marvel is one not to miss, as we’ll have to wait until 2044, for the next total eclipse to cross the United States. It’s important you and your children are prepared to practice proper eye safety during this event. Even though Memphis isn’t in its direct path, staring at the eclipse can have lifelong effects on your eye health.
Here are four ways to stay protected during the eclipse:
Know what you’re protecting your eyes from.
The sun generates ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light that can cause serious damage to your eyes. Practicing eye safety is always important, but it’s especially critical during any eclipse. Unlike during a normal sunny day if you look at the sun, eye damage is often painless during a solar eclipse. Children staring directly at an eclipse may not realize the damage they're causing on their eyes even as it’s happening. Injuries can include solar retinopathy, causing permanent damage to the retina, the very back of the eye that communicates with the brain to understand what it sees.
Make sure your glasses are safe.
You can’t wear any pair of sunglasses you have laying around the house to check out the eclipse. The only suitable way to view the eclipse is by using ISO-certified eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers. These products should be clearly labeled, as many knockoffs may be circulating. These products are specially designed to protect your eyes from harmful radiation. To ensure complete safety, your glasses need to be in good condition. Before slipping them on, make sure your glasses are free from tears, scratches, or punctures.
Never take your glasses off during the eclipse.
Eclipses don’t happen every day — or even every year! It’s a unique opportunity to view an incredible natural phenomenon. However, there’s a common misconception that eclipses are safe for viewing without glasses when the moon partially obscures the sun — but UV rays and infrared light can still bombard your eyes and cause damage at any time. Leave your eclipse glasses on at all times.
Be mindful of your geographic location.
This eclipse will travel across Mexico, enter the U.S. near San Antonio, Texas, and exit around northern Maine. Those in surrounding areas will be able to view a partial solar eclipse — including us in Memphis, which will see 97.8% of the sun obscured. It’s even more important that people outside of the direct path of totality do not remove their glasses at any point during the eclipse as they will be partially exposed to the sun’s direct rays throughout the entire event, unlike those closer who will experience complete totality.
A solar eclipse is temporary, but your eye health is forever. Make sure you and your children are prepared before stepping outside to experience all the fun on April 8.
Dr. Gregory Wolfe, O.D., M.P.H., is an associate professor at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. He specializes in adult primary care, advanced care ocular disease, vision therapy and rehabilitation at The Eye Center at SCO.