LUMBERTON, N.C., Aug. 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One of the many problems eye doctors warn patients about is the failure to view eclipses safely. But people sometimes forget the dangers of viewing a solar eclipse during this incredible phenomenon, like the upcoming August 21 eclipse.
Solar eclipses result when the moon gets between the Earth and the sun. National Public Radio reports that tens of millions of people likely will watch the August 21 event due to it being the first total eclipse in the U.S. in about 40 years.
The eclipse will create a 70-mile wide string of total blackouts over about 90 minutes traveling from the Oregon coast to the South Carolina coast. Outside this "line of totality," people will see a partial eclipse.
Optometrist Richard G. Johnson of the Lumberton, NC, EyeWorks Vision Center says that it is even dangerous to watch the eclipse directly in line-of-totality areas if you don't have proper viewing equipment.
At any point along the line of totality, there will be a safe period of about two minutes during which the moon will completely cover the sun. Before and immediately after totality, viewers need to wear certified eclipse glasses or watch the event indirectly via a simple pinhole projector.
It should be noted that those who are viewing the eclipse in Lumberton will not be in the path of totality, so all spectators must wear certified eclipse glasses for the entirety of the event.
"Don't be fooled by fake eclipse glasses," Dr. Richard Johnson says. "Check with your optometrist to make sure that you have ones made by legitimate manufacturers. You can also check the list of official manufacturers reported by NPR," he adds.
"Also, don't think that looking at a solar eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars, sunglasses, or a telescope is safe. You need eclipse glasses that are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses," Dr. Johnson says.
As the moon covers the sun, the outer gaseous edge -- or corona -- forms a golden glow around the moon. "It's beautiful," Dr. Johnson says, "but viewing the corona before or after totality without proper eclipse glasses can be even more harmful than looking directly into the sun. It can damage your retina and make it difficult for the brain to receive information about what you are viewing."
Instead, Dr. Johnson adds, “Your central and color vision may be permanently obscured. Life can become fuzzy with retinal injuries," he says. "See your eye doctor immediately if you suspect an eclipse-viewing accident."
About EyeWorks Vision Center
EyeWorks Vision Center, located in Lumberton, is open six days a week and can be reached at (910) 738-6464 for more information about eye protection during eclipses. For additional information on their advanced eye care services and accepted insurance and payment plans, visit http://www.eyeworksonline.com/.