As one of many largest marvels of science, the photo voltaic eclipse carries an charisma — which might result in some mistaken assumptions.
Forward of the April 8 eclipse, Forestall Blindness, a Chicago well being and security group devoted to preventing blindness and saving sight, is encouraging eye security by dispelling some widespread misconceptions surrounding the eclipse.
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Jeff Todd, president and CEO of the group, shared with Fox Information Digital among the largest myths — and the truths round them.
Fantasy 1: It’s OK to take a look at the solar for only a minute or two
One widespread false impression is the idea that it’s protected to take a look at the solar if it’s just for a minute or two, Todd mentioned.
“Eclipse viewers ought to by no means look immediately on the solar, as it could actually trigger everlasting eye harm,” he warned.
Forward of the April 8 eclipse, a Chicago well being and security group devoted to preventing blindness and saving sight referred to as Forestall Blindness is encouraging eye security by dispelling some widespread misconceptions surrounding the eclipse. (Getty Pictures)
“Exposing your eyes to the solar with out correct eye safety throughout a photo voltaic eclipse may cause ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns, often known as photo voltaic retinopathy.”
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Todd acknowledged, nevertheless, that there’s a very transient interval throughout a whole photo voltaic eclipse when it may be protected to take away your glasses.
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“The one time it’s protected to take action with out correct safety or tools happens when the moon is totally protecting the solar — and even then, viewers ought to accomplish that cautiously,” he informed Fox Information Digital.
“Exposing your eyes to the solar with out correct eye safety throughout a photo voltaic eclipse may cause ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns, often known as photo voltaic retinopathy,” an professional warned. (Helen Comer/Every day Information Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn)
It’s also necessary to know that not all eclipses are the identical, Todd famous.
“It’s by no means protected to take a look at a partial photo voltaic eclipse — at any time throughout the occasion — with out correct eye safety.”
Fantasy 2: It’s protected to take a look at the eclipse via your smartphone
Watching a photo voltaic eclipse in your smartphone digital camera can put you susceptible to by accident trying on the solar when making an attempt to line up your digital camera and stage an ideal shot, Todd warned — and it’s additionally doable that this might harm your smartphone digital camera.
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“Considering that it’s protected to make use of your digital camera’s viewfinder is one other widespread false impression,” he mentioned.
” a photo voltaic eclipse via the optical viewfinder of a digital camera can harm your eyes in the identical means that trying on the solar immediately with out correct safety can.”
“It’s by no means protected to take a look at a partial photo voltaic eclipse — at any time throughout the occasion — with out correct eye safety,” an professional warned. (iStock)
There are methods to securely {photograph} an eclipse, nevertheless.
“For those who’re planning on making an attempt to seize your individual photo voltaic eclipse images or movies, take the time to evaluate the rules prematurely to make sure that you’re correctly ready,” he suggested.
Fantasy 3: Eclipses emit dangerous rays that may trigger blindness
Though it’s by no means OK to look immediately on the solar, the concept eclipses emit dangerous rays that may trigger blindness is a false impression, in response to Todd.
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“For those who’re utilizing correct eye safety and working towards warning, you may safely expertise the photo voltaic eclipse,” he mentioned.
A complete photo voltaic eclipse is pictured on Aug. 21, 2017, in Madras, Oregon. (ROB KERR/AFP through Getty Pictures)
“All the time seek the advice of an eye care skilled for extra steerage when you have questions or issues about eye security.”
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Todd inspired those that will likely be viewing the entire photo voltaic eclipse on Monday to make security a high precedence.
Extra data and sources from security specialists on-line could be discovered at PreventBlindness.org.
For extra Well being articles, go to www.foxnews.com/well being.
