The Dangers of Looking Directly at the Sun During a Solar Eclipse

⚠️Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can burn your retina and cause vision loss.

🕶️Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for eye protection during a solar eclipse.

🌑Totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun, is the only time it is safe to look at the eclipse without protective glasses.

👁️Symptoms of eye damage from looking at the sun without protection can appear within hours or days of the eclipse.

🌍April 8th is the last chance to see a total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States for 21 years.

Can't I just use regular sunglasses to protect my eyes during a solar eclipse?

—No, regular sunglasses do not provide enough protection from the harmful rays of the sun during a solar eclipse. You need certified solar eclipse glasses for proper eye protection.

When is it safe to look at a solar eclipse without protective glasses?

—It is only safe to look at a solar eclipse without protective glasses during totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun. This usually lasts for a few minutes and is the only time you can safely view the eclipse without eye protection.

What are the symptoms of eye damage from looking at the sun during a solar eclipse?

—Symptoms of eye damage from looking at the sun during a solar eclipse can include blurry vision, distorted colors, and wavy lines. If you experience any of these symptoms after viewing an eclipse without protection, it is essential to see an eye doctor immediately.

When is the next opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the United States?

—The next opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the United States will be on April 8th. After that, there will not be another total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States for 21 years.

Where can I get certified solar eclipse glasses?

—Certified solar eclipse glasses can be obtained from reputable vendors, such as American Paper Optics. It is essential to ensure that the glasses you purchase are ISO tested and certified for safe use during a solar eclipse.

00:01Looking directly at the sun is dangerous and can cause severe eye damage.

01:59Certified solar eclipse glasses block out 100% of UV rays and 99.9% of visible light.

02:14During totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun, it is safe to view the eclipse without protective glasses.

02:50Symptoms of eye damage from looking at the sun without protection can appear within hours or days of the eclipse.

03:07The next opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the United States will be on April 8th.