Solar Eclipse & Eye Care

Dr. Diva Kant Misra
MBBS, DO, DNB, MNAMS, FVRS
 
We are  witnessing a solar eclipse today, which can be a memorable experience with proper protection but can lead to permanent visual loss (solar retinopathy) if one looks directly at it. Even looking at it through dark sunglasses or homemade filters can lead to a similar fate. 
The only proven and  safe method is looking at it through solar filters which come in various forms but should meet a world wide standard  known as ISO 12312-2. 
Tips for a safe solar eclipse viewing experience : 
Look at a solar eclipse only through a solar filter
It should not have any scratches or damage
Never remove the filter while looking at the sun, turn away and then remove it
The only time one can look at a solar eclipse event with naked eyes is when the sun is totally covered by the moon and it has suddenly gotten dark. As soon the sun starts appearing, use your solar filters again.
There are solar filters available for cameras, telescopes and binoculars and one should never look at never look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered even if you are using solar viewers. 
Have a safe solar eclipse viewing experience.   
 

 
Dr. Diva Kant Misra
MBBS, DO, DNB, MNAMS, FVRS

Consultant Vitreoretina, Eye-Q Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Lucknow
General Secretary, Young Ophthalmologists Society of India – YOSI 
Chief Editor, Young Ophthalmologists Times – YO Times

Email: divakant@gmail.com / secretariat@yosi.in
Website: http://yosi.in