Next Saturday, October 14, an annular solar eclipse will be visible in several cities in Mexico.
This astronomical phenomenon has caused great excitement.
Observing a solar eclipse is an exciting experience that occurs only a few times in a lifetime (it should be noted that this type of phenomenon is not frequent), but doing so without adequate protection can have serious consequences for visual health.
Vision damage is not something to be taken lightly and, unfortunately, lack of information or negligence in this regard can result in irreversible vision deterioration.
What happens to me if I don’t use special glasses to see the solar eclipse?
When a person looks directly at the sun during an eclipse without protection, they are exposed to intense solar radiation. This act can cause a condition known as solar retinopathy.
This is damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, caused by intense sunlight. The retina is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain, and any damage to this part of the eye can affect the quality of vision.
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Can I go blind?
If possible. Solar retinopathy can result in loss of central vision, leaving a blind spot that cannot be corrected with glasses or surgery.
The symptoms of this condition may not be immediately evident; They can appear hours after sun exposure and manifest as blurred vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light, or the appearance of dark spots in the visual field.
What prevention measures should I take?
It is imperative to use safe viewing methods to enjoy a solar eclipse.
Eclipse glasses, which meet the international standard ISO 12312-2, are essential. These lenses significantly reduce exposure to solar radiation and protect your eyes from damage.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to make sure your solar eclipse viewing glasses are not scratched or damaged before using them.
Viewing a solar eclipse without proper protection is extremely dangerous and can result in permanent vision damage.
Making sure you are well informed and prepared with the right equipment is essential to enjoying this natural phenomenon safely and responsibly.
Prevention is the key to avoiding the serious consequences associated with unprotected eye exposure to intense solar radiation during an eclipse.