Have you ever wanted to check out a solar eclipse but were concerned about eye safety because you know you have sensitive eyes already? A solar eclipse is one of nature’s phenomenons and you shouldn’t miss the upcoming rare experience. Each year, there are approximately 2 solar eclipses, with the most to happen during one calendar year being 5. However, having 5 eclipses occur in a single year is rare and has only happened 25 years in the past 5,000. For a full solar eclipse to occur, the Sun, Moon, and Earth’s rotation must be aligned in a certain way to allow full or partial blockage of the sun. It occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and Sun.

Ways of Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun During Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse is one sight you simply shouldn’t miss – but is it dangerous to look at an eclipse though? There are four types of solar eclipses, which are annular eclipses, partial solar eclipses, total solar eclipses, and hybrid eclipses. Normally, looking directly at the sun can cause harm to your eyes, but this is not the case during a total solar eclipse because the sun and its light is covered. As far as other types of solar eclipses are concerned, it is best to follow some precautions so that you can be conscious of eye safety and still watch the rare solar eclipse occurring before your eyes.

Try Eclipse Glasses

When viewing a solar eclipse, it is best to wear eclipse glasses so that you can see each phase without impacting eye safety and causing harm. A total solar eclipse can be viewed without these because the sun is completely covered and the sight brings a brightness similar to looking at the moon at night. Any other solar eclipse will partially show the sun

Don’t Use Telescope, Binoculars, or Camera to With Eclipse Glasses

The trouble with using this type of technology when you have your eclipse glasses on is that the concentrated solar rays can work against the filter and get into the eyes. This type of damage to the eye by the sun is caused because the sun seeps in the retina in the back of the eye and the retina can be damaged. The worst part is that the damage is not noticeable or felt, so this is why educating yourself on eye safety is important. Damage can be done to the eyes unknowingly when these magnification devices are used, even with eclipse glasses.

Leave Your Regular Eye Glasses On

If you already use regular eye glasses to help you see, then leave these on and place eclipse glasses over them. If it is uncomfortable or they keep falling off, then hold the eclipse glasses over your eye glasses. You still want to allow yourself to be able to see clearly and take proper eye safety precautions.

Where Can You See A Solar Eclipse

The next solar eclipse has been predicted for August 21, 2017 and it is a total solar eclipse. Beginning at 10:15 AM PDT in Newport, Oregon, the total solar eclipse will come to an end at 4:10 PM EDT in Charleston, South Carolina. Only 14 states will be able to see the total solar eclipse in complete darkness. However, some of the solar eclipse can be seen throughout North America. The last time that a total solar eclipse could be seen in the United States was in February 1979 and only six states were able to see its full eclipse. The eclipse scheduled on August 21, 2017 will travel throughout the United States, which hasn’t happened in 99 years, and allow every state to experience at least a portion of the solar eclipse.

South Florida Solar Eclipse

To see the solar eclipse in South Florida, keep eye safety in mind by remembering to get and wear eclipse glasses. From the view of the solar eclipse in South Florida, about 80% of the sun will be hidden by the moon. The time when the most of the sun is covered by the moon will be 2:57 PM. there are several locations where solar eclipse events will be held. An event will take place at Boca Raton Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton, Florida from 2 PM to 4 PM. There is also an event at the Main Library in Fort Lauderdale from 1 PM to 5 PM and at the African-American Research Library & Cultural Center from 12:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Effective Eye Care Treatment at Eye Center

Protecting your eyes from the sun is critical for proper eye safety and care. You are only born with one pair of eyes, so treat them kindly! If you experiencing vision problems, set up an appointment to speak with the eye care professionals at Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute.