A solar eclipse is an event in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the sun for up to about three hours from beginning to end, as viewed from a given location. During this event the Moon is too far away from the Earth to completely cover the Sun. This results in a ring of light around the darkened Moon. The Sun’s corona is not visible during an annular eclipse.
The National Parks Service has posted that the Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. It will be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America. In the U.S., the eclipse will begin in Oregon at 9:13am PDT and end in Texas at 12:03pm CDT. This is one of nature’s most awesome sights and we hope you have a chance to enjoy it! However, it is important you take caution to avoid eye damage while observing this impressive celestial event.
It is never safe to look directly at the sun during an annular eclipse. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. These five manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium, Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.
While it may be tempting to brush off warnings against looking up at an annular eclipse without protection, don't: The light of an eclipse can absolutely damage your eyes and vision permanently.
The condition is called solar retinopathy and it occurs when bright light from the sun floods the retina. Solar retinopathy can be caused by staring at the sun (regardless of its phase), but few people can stand to look directly at our nearest star for very long without pain. It does happen occasionally. Solar eclipse gazing remains the most common reason why patients stare into the sun however, cases are recorded in the medical literature in which people, typically under the influence of drugs, stare at the sun for long periods of time causing serious damage. In addition, sun-worshipping religious sects are also victims.
During solar retinal exposure, most patients often report an afterimage with short-term bright light sensations. Visual disturbances come on quickly after exposure, with varied complaints including; central blind spots, light sensitivity and reduced vision. In cases of severe exposure, visual distortion, changes in color vision and headaches with pain around and behind the eye may also occur. The most common visual complaint is decreased vision ranging from 20/30 to 20/200 which generally varies with exposure. The clinical course and presentation of solar retinopathy is consistent throughout patients. It is typical that within the first 24 to 48 hours of exposure, examination of the patient’s retina usually reveals normal to subtle pigmentary mottling and swelling. Over the next 1-2 months persistent pigmentary changes occur and damage to the retina becomes permanent.
Ultimately, the best treatment for solar retinal damage is prevention. There is no treatment for this condition. Cockrell Eyecare Center recommends you watch the eclipse only through the certified “eclipse glasses” listed above. If you have questions concerning solar retinopathy or watching the eclipse, please contact our office in Stillwater at 405-372-1715. We also invite you to visit us at www.cockrelleyecare.com and message us on Instagram and Facebook at Cockrell Eyecare Center!