Donning solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 worldwide standard is a key method for individuals to safeguard themselves against eye injury during a partial eclipse.(Image credit: Anadolu / Contributor via Getty Images)ShareShare by:
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Tomorrow (March 29), those located in sections of the Northern Hemisphere, notably across 13 states in the northeastern U.S., will be afforded the chance to view a partial solar eclipse.
This occurrence arises as the moon travels in between the sun and the Earth, partially concealing the sun, making it seem as though a portion of our closest star has been removed.
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What is solar retinopathy?
Solar retinopathy manifests as a result of extreme illumination inducing harm to the photosensitive tissue composing the retina.
The retina has the function of detecting light and modifying it into impulses that the brain deciphers as visual images. Notwithstanding its designation, solar retinopathy may be elicited by any potent source of illumination, spanning the sun, laser devices or intense arcs from welding activities. Solar retinopathy might occur rapidly following exposure to intense illumination, affecting one or frequently both eyes.
Dr. Julie Rosenthal, a clinical assistant professor specializing in ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Michigan, informed Live Science that any individual who stares at the sun, irrespective of the day, risks acquiring solar retinopathy. She noted, however, that the eclipse provides a window during which individuals not typically involved in welding or laser operations can easily encounter such damage.
As previously reported by Live Science, individuals may be particularly susceptible to solar retinopathy during a partial eclipse as the obscuration instigated by the sun’s partial coverage hampers the efficient operation of the eye’s defensive mechanisms.
For instance, when ample light is available, individuals typically squint, while their pupils—which regulate the extent of light penetration—contract to shield the retina, Dr. Sandra Montezuma, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota, conveyed to Live Science. In contrast, under dim conditions, pupils enlarge, thereby escalating the amount of light that may enter the eye, potentially jeopardizing the retina, she explicated.
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Ordinarily, individuals will not register the damage inflicted while viewing the sun due to the absence of pain receptors within the retina.
What are the symptoms of solar retinopathy?
A frequent indication of solar retinopathy is indistinct sight, frequently manifesting as a substantial blurry region centrally positioned in one’s visual range. Those affected may additionally experience sight distortions, such as perceiving straight lines as curved or objects as being diminished in size.
Further indications encompass headaches and shifts in color discernment resulting from impairment to color-detecting cells. Moreover, solar retinopathy can give rise to a blind area within an individual’s direct line of sight. It is additionally possible for affected individuals to express sentiments of ocular irritation or heightened tear production.
The extent of damage correlates positively with both the duration and directness of sunlight exposure, as well as the frequency. The appearance of solar retinopathy indications may be protracted over hours or days post-injury.
An ophthalmologist possesses the capability to capture retinal imagery to facilitate the diagnosis of solar retinopathy, in addition to evaluating the degree of retinal damage sustained.
Is solar retinopathy treatable?
Solar retinopathy currently lacks a dedicated treatment; however, Dr. Rosenthal notes that the state generally ameliorates within the initial semester following the occurrence of harm for numerous individuals. Nevertheless, she cautioned that even with symptomatic relief and enhancements in eyesight over time, many patients might still manifest a persistent dark patch or experience the perception of wavy contours.
In particular instances, the retinal affliction may present as so severe that it precludes natural recuperation. This could result in lasting visual impairment for the impacted individual.
How can you prevent solar retinopathy?
Dr. Montezuma advises that circumventing direct solar exposure offers the optimal method for averting solar retinopathy.
RELATED STORIES
—Eclipse map: Will the March 29 solar eclipse be visible in your state?
—Which states will see the March 29 solar eclipse — and which will see a ‘double sunrise’?
—How often do solar eclipses occur?
If, however, individuals desire to observe the partial solar eclipse slated for March 29, they ought to ensure utilization of either solar eclipse eyewear certified to the ISO 12312-2 international benchmark or solar filters implemented on astronomical apparatus, she elaborated. Solar filters constitute specialized attachments designated for utilization on equipment such as telescopes, binoculars, or cameras that work to obstruct sunlight.
Dr. Montezuma suggests that, lacking accessibility to the aforementioned items, engaging with online broadcast avenues presents an additional secure option.
Dr. Rosenthal remarked, “This genuinely embodies an optimal juncture to engage with science and revel in this compelling occurrence, just ensure adherence to safety protocols.”
Disclaimer
This article is provided strictly for informational purposes, and it should not be interpreted as purveying medical instruction.
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Emily CookeSocial Links NavigationStaff Writer
Emily functions as a health journalism contributor situated in London, UK. She completed her undergraduate studies in biological science at Durham University and her graduate work in clinical and therapeutic neuroscience at Oxford University. She has contributed professionally in the fields of scientific communications, medical composing, and local journalism while undergoing NCTJ journalistic formation with News Associates. In 2018, she attained acknowledgement as one of MHP Communications’ 30 journalists worth following under the age of 30.
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