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The sky can be a beautiful tapestry that stimulates your sense of sight. From sunrise to sunset to the stars at night, you can witness many spectacular images any time of day. One image in particular comes around only a few times a year – if at all – that captivates the United States: a solar eclipse.
A solar eclipse is an astronomical event where the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up, specifically when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth to obscure sunlight. A total eclipse, meaning a full blockage of sunlight, occurs approximately once every eighteen months with partial eclipses happening two-to-five times a year.
You may have heard from others not to look directly at a solar eclipse, and they would be correct. While there are very brief moments during the eclipse’s totality where it is “safest” to look at the sky, the Sun’s lights become more intense leading up to and following the event. Looking at the eclipse has the potential to cause retina burns and possible blindness.
Dr. Ronald Milam, Jr., a CEENTA retina specialist who practices out of our SouthPark, Fort Mill, and Steele Creek offices, elaborates on the health concerns when viewing. For any solar eclipse, a portion of the Sun’s photosphere will be visible, even in eclipse totality. Even a small fraction of the Sun’s rays emits enough ultraviolet light to permanently damage your vision, even with a very brief glimpse. This can cause burns in the central part of the retina, called the fovea and this damage is permanent - like having a laser pointer burning your central vision.”
That said, there are ways you can view the solar eclipse before, during, and after its totality. As Dr. Milam puts it, “Proper eye protection must be worn at all times while viewing an eclipse.”
To do so, you will need special eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that are constructed with special lenses that make them far superior and safer than regular sunglasses. An example of these would be the plastic wrap around version from Astronomy Magazine. A pinhole projector can also be constructed using ordinary items like a box that can create the image with the Sun behind you.
A word of caution: do not use your phone or camera to view the eclipse directly. Not only will this place your eyes directly in line with the UV rays, but you will also risk ruining the lens in your device.
Viewing a solar eclipse can be a wonderful way to create memories with those around you, but precautions must be taken to keep your eyes healthy. It also doesn’t hurt to talk to a retina specialist at CEENTA if you are struggling with conditions like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. For your retina care needs in the Carolinas, schedule your next consultation with Dr. Milam in SouthPark, Steele Creek, or Fort Mill today by calling 704-295-3000.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
CEENTA retina specialist Omar Punjabi, MD, and Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Melanie appeared on WCNC's Charlotte Today on September 5, 2024, to discuss the stages of retina care at CEENTA.
CEENTA is pleased to announce the arrival of neuro-ophthalmologist Alexandra “Ola” Pietraszkiewicz, MD, and retina specialist Matthew Wilde, MD.
Learn more about CEENTA retina specialist Omar Punjabi, MD in Eye to Eye.
