Shortly after the eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, a young woman visited New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai Hospital. She informed Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist, that she had a black area in her vision and even drew a crescent shape on a piece of paper for him.
Dr. Deobhakta was astonished when he examined her eyes. He discovered a burn on her retina that matched the shape of the crescent she had drawn. This burn was a result of looking at the sun during the eclipse without any protection, depicting an image of the sun’s corona.
Ophthalmologists often see patients experiencing distorted vision after looking at the sun during an eclipse. While symptoms typically resolve over time, caution is necessary as permanent damage can occur, as seen in the case of the young woman with retinal burns.
With the upcoming eclipse in April, ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of taking precautions when viewing the sun. Damage can occur in less than a minute, and younger individuals are particularly at risk due to the clarity of their eye lens and potential recklessness.
While eclipse glasses are recommended for safe viewing, not all products on the market may be reliable. The American Astronomical Society advises purchasing glasses that meet specific safety standards and recommends checking for approved sellers to ensure authenticity.
Dr. Deobhakta cautions against taking risks with eclipse glasses and suggests using indirect methods like pinholes for safe viewing. Counterfeit glasses and fraudulent practices in the sale of eclipse glasses have been reported, highlighting the importance of purchasing from reputable sources.
Ultimately, the message from experts is clear: take precautions to protect your eyes during an eclipse to avoid potentially irreversible damage. Properly vetted eclipse glasses and responsible viewing habits are key to safeguarding your vision.
