Medical experts provide safety measures for solar eclipse
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
First responders are gearing up for Monday's solar eclipse here in Columbia. Although it's only a partial view, safety precautions remain crucial.
The upcoming solar eclipse holds significance, occurring just seven years after the 2017 event, with the previous one dating back almost a century. Medical experts stress the importance of proper eye protection as the moon photobombs the sun.
"I tell patients as a refresher to make sure they're wearing protective sunglasses if they are going to be viewing this to limit exposure, like do 1 to 2 minutes of viewing at a time and then look away, " said Dr. James Landreneau, a Refractive Surgeon at MU.
Landreneau recommends purchasing solar eclipse glasses that meet American Astronomical Society guidelines from major retailers such as Target, Amazon, or Walmart in order to safely view the eclipse.
He emphasizes adherence to ISO 12312-2 guidelines for these glasses, even urging those who owned glasses from the 2017 eclipse to invest in a new pair.
"If there's any types of scratches even as a fold in the glass, the material can be significant enough that it can not offer you the full protection," Landreneau said.
The risk of eye damage, including permanent retinal damage known as solar retinopathy, underscores the necessity for precautionary measures. Symptoms such as a central black spot or wavy vision may occur within hours after viewing the eclipse.
Dr. Landreneau recommends seeking assistance from an ophthalmologist in case of any eye-related concerns, suggesting it would offer quicker access to care compared to emergency room visits.
"And it's probably not worth it to go to the emergency department. I think that you probably would have quicker access to care if you were to call," Landreneau said.
The next solar eclipse is anticipated on August 23, 2024.
