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As 1 of nan biggest marvels of science, nan solar eclipse carries an aerial of enigma — which tin lead to immoderate mistaken assumptions.
Ahead of nan April 8 eclipse, Prevent Blindness, a Chicago wellness and information statement dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, is encouraging oculus information by dispelling immoderate communal misconceptions surrounding nan eclipse.
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Jeff Todd, president and CEO of nan organization, shared pinch Fox News Digital immoderate of nan biggest myths — and nan truths astir them.
Myth 1: It’s OK to look astatine nan sun for conscionable a infinitesimal aliases two
One communal misconception is nan belief that it’s safe to look astatine nan sun if it’s only for a infinitesimal aliases two, Todd said.
"Eclipse viewers should never look straight astatine nan sun, arsenic it tin origin imperishable oculus damage," he warned.
Ahead of nan April 8 eclipse, a Chicago wellness and information statement dedicated to fighting blindness and redeeming show called Prevent Blindness is encouraging oculus information by dispelling immoderate communal misconceptions surrounding nan eclipse. (Getty Images)
"Exposing your eyes to nan sun without due oculus protection during a star eclipse tin origin ‘eclipse blindness’ aliases retinal burns, besides known arsenic star retinopathy."
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Todd acknowledged, however, that location is simply a very little play during a total star eclipse erstwhile it tin beryllium safe to region your glasses.
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"The only clip it is safe to do truthful without due protection aliases instrumentality occurs erstwhile nan satellite is wholly covering nan sun — and moreover then, viewers should do truthful cautiously," he told Fox News Digital.
"Exposing your eyes to nan sun without due oculus protection during a star eclipse tin origin ‘eclipse blindness’ aliases retinal burns, besides known arsenic star retinopathy," an master warned. (Helen Comer/Daily News Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn)
It is besides important to cognize that not each eclipses are nan same, Todd noted.
"It is ne'er safe to look astatine a partial star eclipse — astatine immoderate clip during nan arena — without due oculus protection."
Myth 2: It’s safe to look astatine nan eclipse done your smartphone
Watching a star eclipse connected your smartphone camera tin put you astatine consequence of accidentally looking astatine nan sun erstwhile trying to statement up your camera and shape a cleanable shot, Todd warned — and it’s besides imaginable that this could harm your smartphone camera.
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"Thinking that it’s safe to usage your camera’s viewfinder is different communal misconception," he said.
"Looking astatine a star eclipse done nan optical viewfinder of a camera tin harm your eyes successful nan aforesaid measurement that looking astatine nan sun straight without due protection can."
"It is ne'er safe to look astatine a partial star eclipse — astatine immoderate clip during nan arena — without due oculus protection," an master warned. (iStock)
There are ways to safely photograph an eclipse, however.
"If you’re readying connected trying to seizure your ain star eclipse photos aliases videos, return nan clip to reappraisal nan guidelines successful beforehand to guarantee that you are decently prepared," he advised.
Myth 3: Eclipses emit harmful rays that tin origin blindness
Although it is ne'er OK to look straight astatine nan sun, nan thought that eclipses emit harmful rays that tin origin blindness is simply a misconception, according to Todd.
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"If you’re utilizing due oculus protection and practicing caution, you tin safely acquisition nan star eclipse," he said.
A full star eclipse is pictured connected Aug. 21, 2017, successful Madras, Oregon. (ROB KERR/AFP via Getty Images)
"Always consult an eye attraction professional for further guidance if you person questions aliases concerns astir oculus safety."
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Todd encouraged those who will beryllium viewing nan full star eclipse connected Monday to make information a apical priority.
Additional accusation and resources from information experts online tin beryllium recovered astatine PreventBlindness.org.
For much Health articles, sojourn www.foxnews.com/health.
Melissa Rudy is wellness editor and a personnel of nan manner squad astatine Fox News Digital. Story tips tin beryllium sent to [email protected].
