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Shilpa Rose, M.D.: View Eclipse with Only ISO Eye Protection | Fox 5 News

August 20, 2017

Safely Watch Total Eclipse of the Sun | Whitten Laser EyeDr. Shilpa Rose shares these tips on Fox 5 for safely viewing the upcoming solar eclipse.  Directly viewing the sun, including an eclipse, can cause permanent damage to your eyes.  Direct damage to your retina can result from the sun's powerful, but harmful, light rays.

Learn how to properly protect your eyes.

Dr. Shilpa Rose appeared on Fox 5 to talk about proper protection and safe ways to view the Great American Eclipse of 2017.

Use Only ISO Filters

There is absolutely no protection from any type of "sunglasses" - use only ISO compliant filters found in authentic "eclipse" glasses and solar viewers.  ISO 12312-2 filters are 1000s of times darker and stronger than any sunglasses commercially available, including:

DO NOT USE THESE

  • Prescription sunglasses
  • 3D glasses
  • Boutique/Expensive sunglasses
  • Tinted lenses prescribed after eye surgery:  cataract surgery, LASIK
  • Disposable sunglasses given after eye examination

Path of Totality

The path of totality is the path across the United States where the sun will be completely blocked from the earth.  The path of totality is 70 miles wide and will travel from Oregon to South Carolina.   Those viewing the total eclipse of the sun within this area should experience 100% blockage of the sun.

Path of Totality | Whitten Laser Eye

Those of us not within the path of totality will experience a partial eclipse of the sun, that is, we will experience varying degrees of partial darkness.

The ONLY time to look directly at the sun is when the sun is completely covered by the moon.  This will occur ONLY in the path of totality.

Don't Watch Directly

If you can not find certified ISO filters to directly watch the solar eclipse, you can make your own pin hole projector to indirectly view the event.

Dr. Rose demonstrates how to build Pinhole Projector using commonly found materials at home.  Instructions for building your own Pinhole Projector can also be found on the NASA website.

The pinhole camera, an example of the camera obscura principle, allows you to indirectly view the solar event without exposing your retina directly to the sun.

The total eclipse of the sun is a "once in a lifetime" event and Whitten Laser Eye shares this information with you to make sure you protect your eyes as you watch this astronomical wonder.

Protect and maintain the health of your eyes at all times!

More on the Solar Eclipse from Whitten Laser Eye

 

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for laser vision correction or a routine examination, please call us (301.825.5755).  My team and I look forward to meeting you.


Mark Whitten, M.D.
Vision Correction Surgeon
LASIK, Cataract & Raindrop

Shilpa Rose, M.D.
Vision Correction & Dry Eye Specialist

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. 

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