Keep your eyes safe during the Great American Eclipse

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - As anticipation grows for the Great American Solar Eclipse, experts are urging caution, especially for those planning outdoor viewing.

Dr. Stephen McNutt, an eye doctor in Laredo, stresses the importance of using the correct eye protection during a solar eclipse. He explained, “It’s a very specific and special film that’s made specifically to protect your eyes from the sun.” Dr. McNutt, a self-proclaimed eclipse enthusiast, stressed the necessity for everyone, especially children, to wear solar eclipse glasses to avoid eye damage.

Dr. McNutt’s glasses are designed to block ultraviolet light and the intense sun rays, safeguarding the delicate retina—the part of the eye crucial for vision. “The light is focused so strong only on the back of your eye that it can literally burn your retina—and there’s nothing to do about that if that happens,” cautioned Dr. McNutt.

He warned that once the retina is damaged, the effects are permanent and often result in a black spot in the center of vision, affecting daily activities like reading or face recognition. To ensure you have the right eclipse glasses, Dr. McNutt advised checking for the ISO number 12312-2 inside the glasses and testing them in a room to ensure they are not counterfeit.

In case of accidental sun exposure during the eclipse, Dr. McNutt recommended consulting an optometrist or ophthalmologist to assess any potential eye damage. For those unsure about the safety of their solar glasses, the American Astronomical Society website lists verified eclipse glasses to guarantee safe viewing.

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