Protecting vision during this year's solar eclipse August 21

VALLEY— As America gears up for the upcoming solar eclipse, there are a few vital points to remember when it comes to protecting your eyes and those of your loved ones.

The two most important things to keep in mind are that it is ONLY safe to view the sun without eye protection for people in the total eclipse zone during a total eclipse and that sunglasses (Rx or not) are NOT safe for viewing the sun, during an eclipse or otherwise. Please take the time to educate yourself prior to this year’s eclipse with the following recommendations from the Colorado Optometric Association.

What is a solar eclipse and how could it harm you?
Solar eclipses occur when our moon gets between the sun and our planet, obscuring the sun temporarily. A total solar eclipse only occurs when the sun is completely obstructed by the moon and is the only brief time it is safe to view the sun’s corona (atmosphere) without eye protection. On August 21, a total solar eclipse will occur from coast-to-coast across the United States.

Beginning near Lincoln Beach, Oregon and cutting diagonally across the country until ending near Charleston, South Carolina. The following list are those states along its path and thus, most directly impacted: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Although Colorado is not included among those states to experience a total eclipse it remains vital to educate yourself, as well as your family and friends, regarding how to protect yourselves from harm while enjoying this sometimes “once-in-a-lifetime” astronomical wonder.

Tips to prevent serious eye injury before, during, and after this year’s Solar Eclipse
This year’s phenomenon will last less than two hours in its entirety, with totality (only viewable in certain cities) lasting less than three minutes. The total solar eclipse will turn day to night and drop temperatures by as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is never safe to look directly at the un-eclipsed or partially eclipsed sun. Although the specific states listed above may experience a brief “totality” phase, during which the sun may be viewed safely with the naked eye, outside of this, failure to follow proper observing methods for the eclipse may result in permanent eye damage and severe vision loss.

To prevent injury, all observers are advised to wear eye protection in the form of approved eclipse glasses that meet occupational eye and face protection standards (ANSI Z81.1/ISO 12312-2). These types of “eclipse glasses” have a thin layer of chromium or aluminum deposited on the surface that protect our eye from harmful infrared and visible light rays. Sunglasses (Rx or not; polarized or not) and smoked glass do not contain these layers and as such are NEVER safe for direct viewing of the sun.

According to Dr. Jon Pederson, president of Colorado Optometric Association, “The main eye health concern regarding direct sun exposure is “eclipse blindness” or retinal burns caused by high-intensity visible light. This exposure causes damage to the light-sensitive rods and cones of our retina, known as solar retinopathy. This damage may result in temporary or permanent vision loss and often takes hours, not seconds, to appear or manifest.”

For more information about the eclipse, go to www.visioncare.org.

About the Colorado Optometric Association (COA):
The Colorado Optometric Association (COA) is the professional organization of optometrists in Colorado. Over 600 Colorado Doctors of Optometry are voluntary members of the Association.

Since 1892, the COA has assisted its members in providing the highest standard of professional care to their patients by sponsoring continuing education programs for doctors, advocating in local and state governments for programs and laws that represent patients’ best interests, and providing information for the public.

For more information, please visit www.visioncare.org or call 303-863-9778.