Fairfield County Ophthalmologist Leslie Doctor, M.D. shared the excitement regarding the upcoming solar eclipse, but recommended eye safety be a part of the plan for viewing the event.
New Haven-Meriden, CT – “For anyone who has not experienced an event of this type it is certainly going to be a stunning and memorable one,” shared Dr. Leslie Doctor. “However, anyone observing the sight should be aware of the risk that viewing a solar eclipse can present if you do not take the necessary eye safety precautions.”
What is a Solar Eclipse?
On Monday, August 21, 2017, North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun, or a “solar eclipse.” During a solar eclipse the moon will pass between the sun and the earth, actually blocking the sun either partially or completely depending on where you are viewing it from. The blocking of the sun will last for up to three hours from beginning to end depending on your viewing location. The last time the contiguous U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 1979. This event turns day into night and makes the normally hidden solar corona-the sun’s outer atmosphere- visible! Bright stars and planets will become visible as well. This is one of nature’s most awesome sights. In the Fairfield County, Connecticut area, we will have a partial eclipse of about 67%. The start time will be approximately 1:24 pm, the maximum eclipse view will be at approximately 2:45 pm, with the end of the event occurring at 4:00 pm.
How Can You See It & Avoid Eye Safety Risk?
You never want to look directly at the sun without appropriate protection except during totality. “Retinal burns, called “solar retinitis” or “solar retinopathy” can be produced by direct gazing at the sun. This potentially serious problem is caused by the thermal effects of the visible and near infrared rays focused on the pigment layer of the retina. “We almost never see patients with solar retinopathy at other times because the normal eye only tolerates very brief glances at the sun. But, during a solar eclipse it is possible to have prolonged direct viewing of the sun that often results in retinal damage if you don’t take the precaution of wearing proper protective solar filtering glasses,” Dr. Leslie Doctor.
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. “To be safe to view a solar eclipse, the eclipse gasses must meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products,” explained Dr. Doctor.
You may receive a free pair of eclipse glasses, by visiting any Doctor & Associates or Willows Opticians location including 129 Kings Highway N, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 or 148 East Avenue #3e, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.
To learn more, please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google+ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates.
For additional information, contact:
Dorothy Figueroa, Doctor & Associates, 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, dfigueroa ( @ ) drdrgroup dot com, 203-227-4113 dot