Although the solar eclipse is one of the most anticipated events of the year, not viewing it safely and following doctors’ recommendations can lead to severe and permanent damage to the retinas. That is why in recent months institutions have insisted on the need to use approved glasses to protect eyesight during this astronomical phenomenon.
However, either because the glasses used were defective or because they were removed prematurely, it may be that after observing the eclipse some symptoms appear that They should not be ignored or treated with home remedies. Well, it is just as important to know how to protect yourself as it is to know how to act in case signs like blurred vision.
Opticians and ophthalmologists warn that direct exposure to solar radiationespecially during eclipses, can cause what is known as solar retinopathy. This occurs when the sun’s rays hit directly and without protection in the macula, an area essential for central vision.
Common symptoms and how to act
This type of lesion usually goes unnoticed in patients, since in the retinal tissue there are no pain receptors. Therefore, even if it is occurring, the majority of those affected continue to look at the Sun until the eclipse ends, something that can cause serious and permanent consequences on their vision.
Likewise, the symptoms do not usually appear immediately, but usually take a while. between 4 and 12 hours after direct exposure to radiation. These symptoms include blurred vision, the appearance of a dark spot (clinically known as central scotoma), line distortion and increased photosensitivity.
In the event that any of these symptoms appear after observing the eclipse, it is necessary to act quicklyalthough calmly. It is important not to fall into self-diagnosis and, above all, do not apply home remedies or medications that could worsen the situation. It is simply due go to an ophthalmology specialist to perform a detailed review of the retina.
How to avoid vision injuries after a solar eclipse?
To prevent this situation from occurring, it is important to follow a series of recommendations. First of all, you should only use some approved glasses with ISO 123-2:2015 certification to protect eyesight from solar radiation. These can be placed over glasses and prescription contact lenses. In addition, it must be checked that they are in correct condition to guarantee protection.
It is important to place them correctly so that radiation does not enter from the sides. Therefore it must Use extreme caution if you are going to observe the eclipse with childrenbecause the glasses may be too big for them or they may try to see above or below them. To guarantee their safety, it will be necessary to monitor them at all times and explain to them how they should watch the event safely.
Telescopes or binoculars should not be used to see this astronomical phenomenon, since most do not have the necessary filters and can cause serious injuries due to their ability to concentrate light; nor homemade tricks like x-rayssmoked glass, sunglasses or improvised filters. Just like the viewfinders of cameras or any optical device, even if you put on glasses.