One of the greatest wonders of science is solar eclipse There is an air of mystery in the air, which can lead to false assumptions.
Ahead of the April 8 solar eclipse, Chicago health and safety organization Prevent Blindness is dedicated to the fight against visual impairment. maintain eyesightpromotes eye safety by dispelling common misconceptions about solar eclipses.
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Jeff Todd, the organization’s president and CEO, spoke to Fox News Digital about some of the biggest myths and the truth around them.
Myth 1: You only need to look at the sun for a minute or two.
One common misconception, Todd said, is that gazing at the sun for just a minute or two is safe.
“People who watch Eclipse I never have “Avoid looking directly at the sun as it can cause permanent damage to your eyes,” he warned.
Ahead of the April 8 solar eclipse, Prevent Blindness, a Chicago health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and protecting vision, is promoting eye safety by dispelling common myths about the eclipse. . (Getty Images)
“Exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy.”
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However, Mr Todd acknowledged that this period is very short. total solar eclipse When it is safe to remove your glasses.
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“The only time it is safe to watch without proper protection or equipment is when the moon completely covers the sun, and even then viewers should watch with caution,” he told Fox News Digital. Told.
“Exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy,” experts warned. (Helen Comer/Daily News Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn)
It’s also important to know that not all eclipses are the same, Todd points out.
“It’s never safe to see that partial solar eclipse — at any time during the event — without proper eye protection. ”
Myth 2: It’s safe to watch the solar eclipse on your smartphone
If you watch the eclipse with your smartphone camera, you run the risk of accidentally looking at the sun when you line up your camera to get the perfect shot, which could even damage your smartphone camera, Todd said. I warned you.
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“It’s also a common misconception that it’s safe to use a camera’s viewfinder,” he says.
“Viewing a solar eclipse through a camera’s optical viewfinder can damage your eyes in the same way a solar eclipse can. looking at the sun Without proper protection, you may be at direct risk. ”
“It is never safe to observe a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection at any time during the event,” experts warned. (St. Petersburg)
However, there are ways to safely photograph the eclipse.
“If you are planning to take eclipse photos or videos yourself, take the time to review the guidelines in advance and make sure you are properly prepared,” he advises. did.
Myth 3: Solar eclipses emit harmful rays that can cause blindness.
Todd says it’s never good to look directly at the sun, but the idea that solar eclipses emit harmful rays that can cause blindness is a misconception.
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“With proper eye protection and precautions, you can experience a solar eclipse safely,” he says.
A total solar eclipse was photographed in Madras, Oregon on August 21, 2017. (ROB KERR/AFP via Getty Images)
“Please be sure to consult” eye care expert If you have questions or concerns about eye safety, please seek additional guidance. ”
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Todd encouraged those planning to view the total solar eclipse on Monday to prioritize safety.
Additional information and resources from safety experts are available online at PreventBlindness.org.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.
