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I’m sure we’re not going to tell you anything that you don’t already know – because you’ve been hearing about it for weeks.
The upcoming solar eclipse has been dominating the news, and since this is the first time since 2017 and it is not happening again for decades, you’re going to want to make sure you experience it.
Part of Northeast Sight Services’ goal is the prevention of blindness, which we do through eye health and safety programs. So we’re just here to remind you that when you’re outside on Monday, enjoying this exciting phenomenon, that you’re doing it in the safest way possible.
If you didn’t know, it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, you should never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage in less than a minute. Most days, you wouldn’t look at the sun directly because it is extremely uncomfortable. But during a solar eclipse, it makes sense that the darkened sun would feel less harmful. But it isn’t. That’s why it’s so important to take precautions.
To view the solar eclipse, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (or eclipse glasses). These are not the same as regular sunglasses, as eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker. They should also comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard, which is approved by NASA. So make sure to check out your eclipse glasses to ensure that they meet these requirements, as there are many unsafe duplicates out there being sold.
And, even with the glasses, you should not look at the sun for longer than three minutes. Also do NOT use these types of glasses with cameras, binoculars or telescopes, as those require different types of solar filters.
What if you don’t have these glasses? Just about anything with a hole that allows you to observe a shadow can be used to project the eclipse onto surfaces, so that you can observe its progress. What a great activity to do with children, without even having to look up into the sky!
We have found that people don’t think about vision loss until it happens to them or someone that they know. Which is why these precautions are important to keep in mind – and are something to talk about with your children, family and friends prior to the eclipse. While our mission will always be to help those who are blind and visually impaired live an independent life, it is just as important to prevent that need in the first place.
But, of course, if you or someone you know, is experiencing any type of vision loss, please give us a call at 570-693-3555.
Enjoy the Eclipse! Safely, of course.
Sara Gorgone Peperno is president/CEO of Northeast Sight Services.