(PRESS RELEASE) Alexandria, VA – March 11, 2024 – Ahead of the total solar eclipse, taking place on April 8, the American Optometric Association (AOA) is sharing eye safety information with the public as part of the organization’s mission to protect the eye health and vision of Americans. Additionally, the AOA is supplying materials for member doctors to use to further amplify the message.
According to the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA), a total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it’s not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
To prevent “eclipse blindness” which occurs when eyes are exposed to the sun and the light exposure damages or destroys cells in the retina, the only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing.
The AOA is also sharing that all symptoms should be treated as urgent until viewed by a doctor of optometry and encouraging the public to find a local AOA optometrist using the doctor locator.
For eye safety guidance to share with patients, click here. To access the member materials, visit Educate Your Community.