Eye health is not something that anyone should take for granted. Exposure to UV and infrared light from the sun at any time of the year should be limited for eye health, but this is particularly important during a solar eclipse.
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of myths and misunderstandings about the critical need for approved solar eclipse glasses. Dispelling these myths and ensuring that everyone uses the right type of glasses to observe the solar eclipse is something that everyone can help within their own community.
Myth: Eye Damage is Only Temporary
Looking at the sun during the eclipse, or more specifically when the light from the sun becomes visible after the total eclipse, causes a condition known as “eclipse blindness.” This is actually cellular damage in the form of burns to the retina. This can be damage that heals, or it can be a permanent loss of cells in the retina that can lead to vision impairment for life.
Wearing approved eclipse glasses can prevent this, while still allowing the viewer to see the disappearance, total eclipse, and the appearance of the sun. Keep in mind, the sun appears suddenly when unblocked by the movement of the sun and the moon, and the damage to the eyes happens just as fast.
Myth: Solar Glasses are Expensive
Top quality CE and ISO approved eclipse glasses are not expensive. The paper types of glasses with the lenses that filter 100% of UV light and up to 99.999% of infrared light are just a few dollars. In many communities, businesses or groups may even provide these glasses for free.
Myth: Welder’s Glass is Enough
People think that welder’s helmets and glass are safe to use when viewing a solar eclipse. While a welder’s glass of Shade 12 or higher is considered safe to use by NASA, most welders do not use this level of dark glass.
In addition, buying this welding glass is costly, and the use of quality eclipse viewing glasses is much less, making them a better option for anyone to consider.
