MT. PLEASANT, Pa., Aug. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Everyone is fascinated by a solar eclipse, including eye doctors. That is particularly true of the upcoming August 21 event, which will be the first total eclipse in centuries to span across the entire United States. Yet, eye doctors nationwide have cause for concern about what is being billed as the astronomical event of a lifetime.
Tens of millions of Americans likely will lift their eyes skyward to view the eclipse, which will totally obscure the sun along a 70-mile wide path beginning at mid-morning, just north of Newport, Oregon, and stretching southeast near Charleston, South Carolina by mid-afternoon.
For spectators in Mt. Pleasant, people will see a partial eclipse outside this line of totality, meaning they must wear protective eclipse glasses the entire time the moon glides over the sun.
Optometrist H. Arnold Papernick OD of Mt. Pleasant, PA, is one of many eye doctors hoping upraised eyes will be properly protected against damage caused by viewing an eclipse improperly.
Dr. Papernick warns that looking at a solar eclipse is dangerous unless you’re watching it through solar viewers such as eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector. Eclipse glasses have lenses thousands of times darker than sunglasses. Viewing through a telescope or regular camera lens provides no protection.
A recent report at National Public Radio warns consumers to be wary of fake eclipse glasses and solar viewers. It links to a list of legitimate sellers offering glasses that meet safety standards.
Solar eclipses happen when the moon comes between the sun and Earth casting a shadow that results in darkness except for the glow of the sun's corona that circles the moon.
"Viewing the corona may burn the retina at the back of your eyes," Dr. Papernick says. "You won't notice damage immediately. But problems may show up in a few hours or days."
Dr. Papernick notes that the retina transfers information to the brain about what viewers see. He warns that retinal damage leads to problems such as changes in color vision, distortions, and loss of central vision.
People who accidentally view the eclipse incorrectly and experience vision problems should visit an eye doctor immediately. Dr. Papernick’s clinic is open five days a week with closings on Wednesdays and Sundays and can be reached at (724) 547-5711.
About Dr. H. Arnold Papernick, OD
Dr. Papernick serves the areas of Mt. Pleasant, Greensburg, and Scottdale in Pennsylvania. Eye care services include eye exams, vision therapy, eye disease prevention, and pre-operative and post-operative LASIK care. Additional information can be accessed by visiting http://www.hapapernickod.com/.