Do not look at the sun when it’s the time of Solar Eclipse—The first thing that comes to mind of many people is a myth created by some cultures. According to the myth, looking at the sun can lead to the fear of misfortune.
There are no facts that can prove this. However, the real reason is scientific: UV radiation from the sun affects our eyes and leads to several eye injuries. If we are not wearing proper viewing glasses and are directly looking at the sun, we can get specific eye injuries such as Photokeratitis, Distorted Vision, Headache, etc.
Although there is a range of solar eclipse glasses that are sure to protect your eyes, they still give poor results. This can be because of poor quality or any other damage to the lens.
In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s essential to wear solar eclipse glasses and what you must consider before investing in them.
Understanding the Dangers of Eclipse Safety
Directly looking at the sun can cause serious damage to your eyes, specifically, during a solar eclipse. The intensity of the sun’s rays is magnified which makes it even more dangerous to stare at the sun without adequate protection.
The harmful influences of solar radiation can result in a condition known as solar retinopathy. This can cause permanent damage to the retina. You can get vision loss or impairments due to this damage.
What are Solar Eclipse Glasses?
- Solar eclipse glasses are the only way to see the sun safely. They are made with solar filters that comply with the worldwide safety standard ISO.
- Using regular sunglasses or homemade solar filters to view an eclipse is unsafe. They transmit sunlight at a rate that is thousands of times too high.
- These glasses are made of a silvery or black polymer that blocks 100% of ultraviolet and infrared light. They just transmit about one millionth of the sun’s visible light.
- Mylar glasses make the sun look bluish-white, and black polymer makes it appear orange. These eclipse glasses are very effective at blocking light, and the lenses are durable.
- However, one should inspect the lenses before buying them, as they can be damaged.
How do they Work?
Eclipse glasses filter out the part of the solar spectrum that can cause eye injury. Different spectra of the light cause different influences on the eye, and the three most crucial to block in this case are:
- Ultraviolet: These are the wavelengths we usually cannot see but get us sunburned if we are outside for so long. Our cornea is at a higher risk because of this light.
- Visible: These wavelengths are closer to the blue portion of the spectrum.
- Infrared: The wavelengths we do not see but usually associate with heat.
The eclipse glasses are made of mylar, a polyester film. Historically, Eastman Kodak in Rochester made the photographic film. It was chosen because it was solid and inexpensive.
The outside part is a reflective metal film (usually aluminum) on a partly absorbing substrate that provides a little bit of extra attenuation if the metallic film gets slightly stretched.
Choosing the Right Solar Eclipse Glasses
- Before you choose a solar eclipse glass, make sure it meets the necessary safety standards. Opt glasses that are ISO certified (this indicates the glasses have been tested and approved)
- Do not buy scratched or damaged glasses, as they may not give adequate protection.
- Ensure the glasses fit securely on your face and completely cover your eyes.
- Avoid any gaps or openings that could allow harmful rays to reach your eyes.
By choosing the right solar eclipse viewing glasses, one can ensure the safety of his/her eyes during the eclipse
Tips for Using Solar Eclipse Glasses Safely
- Before you make use of the glass, inspect it for any damage or defects.
- Put on the glass prior to looking at the sun and keep them on during the entire viewing period.
- While looking at the sun, do not remove the glass, as even a brief exposure can be harmful to your eyes.
- You can still use solar eclipse glasses if you wear prescription glasses. Just put the eclipse glasses over your regular ones for extra protection.
- Make sure to teach children about the significance of wearing eclipse glasses.
- Additionally, superwise them throughout the eclipse to make sure they use them properly.
Where to Get Solar Eclipse Glasses?
To ensure you buy genuine and right, eclipse glasses, prefer reputable brands offering high-quality products. They include a wide range of ISO-certified glasses with proper details and reviews. These brands allow you to choose the right pair without any doubt.
In addition, avoid purchasing glasses from ordinary stores that just claim to provide quality.
Remember: It’s crucial to buy solar eclipse glasses in advance of the eclipse to ensure availability and avoid last-minute scams.
Final Words
Solar eclipse viewing glasses are not just a pair of glasses; they’re the eye saviour. They are the barrier between your eyes and harmful sun radiation. Do not stop yourself from enjoying the eclipse just because of common myths or the fear of eye injuries.
Take your next step towards your eye protection and find the right pair of glasses for yourself now!