Solar Eclipse: Safety Viewing Tips

Monday’s solar eclipse is expected to be amazing, mainly because it’s the first time in nearly a century that the entire country will be able to observe it. In this video, UR Medicine ophthalmologist Dr. Ajay Kuriyan explains how to view the eclipse without damaging your eyes.

Watching an eclipse without eye protection can damage your retinas, causing solar retinopathy or blind spots in your vision that can be irreversible.

There are two options for safe viewing:

1. Wear eye protection. You can purchase solar eclipse glasses because they have very strong filters – so powerful that all you’ll be able to see is the glow of the sun.
2. Use an indirect viewing system.  You can make one with materials easily found at home, following instructions on the NASA website.

Ajay Kuriyan, M.D., is a retinal specialist with UR Medicine’s Flaum Eye Institute. He specializes in the treatment of retinal detachment, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.