A statement from the AOP regarding the upcoming eclipse:
Friday morning will see the most spectacular eclipse of the sun for 15 years, in a rare astronomical alignment as the Moon will pass directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking out most of the light. Viewers in the UK will witness a partial eclipse of at least 80%, depending upon location.
Don’t lose sight of your eyes during the eclipse
Patients and colleagues may ask for advice about how to view the eclipse safely. Here are a few top tips to ensure that the public view the eclipse safely without damaging their eyes:
1. Never look directly at the sun or use any instruments like binoculars, telescopes or cameras to view the sun directly. Doing so can permanently damage your eyesight.
2. The only safe way to view the eclipse is indirectly, through a device such as a pinhole projector. This cheap and easy method projects the sun’s image onto a screen, such as a sheet of white paper or cardboard.
3. Never point an unprotected camera lens at the sun as this can cause permanent damage to the camera and to your eyes. To take photos of the sun without damaging your camera, you will need to use a solar filter recommended by your camera manufacturer.
The only safe way to view the sun is indirectly and perhaps the best way to get a good view is to watch it on television. For more information, watch OT’s interview with Karen Sparrow, Head of Professional Development, and the news update in this week’s edition.
Don’t forget, you can keep up to date with all the latest eye health stories in the news by following us on Twitter and searching our #eyesinthenews hashtag.
Coventry and Warwickshire LOC 