Solar eclipse safety tips to protect your eyes

GHENT, WV (WVNS) — With the upcoming solar eclipse coming our way, people are getting ready to see it, but precautions must be made in order to view it.

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The year’s solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024, and when it comes to safety during the eclipse, our eyes are the number one priority.

Dr. Mark Holliday, an Optometric Physician with the Beckley Vision Center shared his advice on how to watch the solar eclipse, mentioning that damage can be made to our retinas if we do not use preventative measures.

“Preventively, you can find in different retailer stores are advertising some of these solar lenses, however, still be careful. You can put them on; however, I would only recommend short viewing period, not to stare at it for a long time,” said Holliday.

Dr. Holliday also mentioned that using good sense and being cautious is the best way to go, or you can use techniques such as recording it and looking at it later or using the pinhole in the paper technique to avoid looking at the sky. He wants people to be aware that actual damage can occur from the solar eclipse if it is not viewed properly. Solar Retinopathy, or Solar Retinitis is a condition of damaging the macular tissue of the retina, which can occur from sungazing or eclipse viewing.

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Sometimes this damage can resolve itself within a three to six month period. However, sometimes you can have permanent damage from Solar Retinopathy. So the best medicine according to Dr. Holliday is preventative medicine and protective measures you can take.

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