Although the vast majority of Spaniards are excited to see the next solar eclipse that can be observed from the Iberian Peninsula. An astronomical phenomenon that has not been repeated for more than a century, but for which adequate protection must be taken to avoid serious and permanent damage to vision, especially in children. As happened to a former Ciudadanos deputy.
As has been reported for a few weeks, it is completely necessary to use approved glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification to be able to safely view the solar eclipse. This is true both in those areas where which will be reached in full as in those in which it will be partially produced.
This is because direct exposure to solar radiation can cause burns to the retinal tissue, specifically in the macula areawhere the sun’s rays are concentrated. Although these burns are completely painless, since this area does not have pain receptors, they can have serious symptoms such as blurred vision, blind spots, or even blindness.
90% blindness due to burns caused after viewing the eclipse
This was the case of Mercedes Lopez Romeroformer Ciudadanos deputy in the Andalusian Parliament. The politician said in an interview for the EFE agency that when she was eight years old, saw an eclipse with his friends and without any type of protection. “It was 45 years ago, at that time there was not much information or education on this matter, there was simply I saw neighbors coming out and looking up“he explained.
Symptoms didn’t appear until he was 14, when he noticed he couldn’t see the blackboard at school. When you go to the ophthalmologist, he told him that “he had a scar on each spot”. An injury that he did not realize, but that progressed silently over time. At the age of 17 he was told that, due to its high blindness, currently 90%he couldn’t get a driving license or study the career he wanted.
“Therefore, We are talking about a fairly important and irreversible injury that changes you. and it conditions all the plans you have for your life,” he stated in the interview. Some statements that remind us that, although an eclipse is an event that no one wants to miss, it is necessary follow the instructions of the specialists to ensure an unforgettable and, above all, safe experience.
Five tips for parents to view the eclipse safely with their children
If you want to go to one of the official observation points, located in a large part of Spanish cities, or simply see it from home, it will be necessary to follow a series of recommendations. Especially if the eclipse will be seen accompanied by small children.
For this reason, the pediatrician and content creator, Laura Alvarezhas compiled the most useful tips for parents, guardians or family members to ensure the safety and well-being of their little ones during this astronomical phenomenon. Firstly, as mentioned at the beginning, only use approved glasses to see it.
However, if they are restless children or if you are afraid that they may take them off prematurely, what the doctor recommends is make a pinhole boxwith which the little ones will be able to see the eclipse indirectly, without putting their vision at risk. Whether you are going to use approved glasses or prefer to use the pinhole box, it will be necessary supervise children at all times.