Help patients get ready to safely view the April 8 solar eclipse

The Canadian Association of Optometrists is warning about the potential risks to eyesight during a solar eclipse if proper precautions are not taken. A total/near total eclipse will occur from Southern Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador on April 8, 2024, with the rest of Canada experiencing a partial eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, partially or completely blocking the sun's rays. Looking at the sun directly during an eclipse (even briefly, and even during a partial eclipse) can lead to solar retinopathy, permanently damaging the retina's light-sensitive cells.1 The time and duration of the solar eclipse will vary depending on your location. In Toronto, for example, a near-total solar eclipse is expected to occur between 2:04 pm and 4:31 pm, with the peak happening at 3:19 p.m.2 Times and durations for other cities can be found here.3 Children’s eyes let in more light to the retina than adult eyes, so they are at higher risk of harm if they look at the sun without proper eye protection.2 Children may not fully understand the risks involved. Parents should be encouraged to educate their children about eye safety and provide proper filters or alternate safe viewing methods.1 Advise patients to follow these 5 tips for watching a solar eclipse:1,2Protect the eyes at all times by using solar eclipse viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing (find further details here). Ensure that the viewers are not damaged or scratched before use. Put on the viewer before looking at the solar eclipse and turn away from the eclipse before removing the viewer. Sunglasses, even those with a very dark tint, are not sufficient protection. Homemade filters, camera lenses, smoked glass, photographic or x-ray film or devices used in combination with a binocular or telescope are also unsuitable for viewing a solar eclipse. Don’t stare at the sun without protection. This may cause damage to the retina (the tissue at the back of the eye) called “solar retinopathy.” The damage can occur without any sensation of pain and can be temporary or permanent. Visit your local hospital or doctor of optometry immediately if an accident occurs.If you can't find eclipse viewers, make a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse. Details on how to make a pinhole projector are available from NASA or the Canadian government. When using a pinhole camera, it is important to only watch the screen, not the Sun. Never look at the Sun through the pinhole.Watch the eclipse online. Check out the NASA/Exploratorium livestream. If you experience any problems with your eyes or vision after the eclipse, visit your hospital or optometrist promptly. Symptoms may not appear until 12 to 48 hours later and could involve retinal burns, temporary or permanent vision loss, and blurred vision. The Canadian Association of Optometrists has developed a one-page infographic that can be downloaded here and used as a patient education tool.1 References1. Canadian Association of Optometrists. Solar eclipse safety. Last updated March 21, 2024. https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety (accessed April 1, 2024).2. City of Toronto. Solar eclipse safety. https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/solar-eclipse-safety/ (accessed April 1, 2024).3. Government of Canada. How to safely watch a solar eclipse. https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/multimedia/search/video/18873 (accessed April 1, 2024).

Help patients get ready to safely view the April 8 solar eclipse

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