Can I really go blind from the eclipse? Manual for using glasses correctly
The authorities insist on the importance of buying approved glasses for the event
When less than 48 hours remain until the eclipse, and given the announcement of the withdrawal from the market of some models of glasses due to the risk of eye injuries, at ARA we explain how you can know if the ones you have in your hands are safe and how you should use them to protect yourself while enjoying this historic event.
Which glasses should I wear?
The glasses must be certified with an ISO 12312-2. These glasses block 99.9% of visible radiation, 100% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and 97% of infrared (IR) radiation. However, you should check that the label indicates the manufacturer's name, contact details, and instructions detailing how to use them safely. You should also check that they are not scratched or damaged, as this can distort the image of the Sun.
Where can I buy the glasses?
The Catalan Consumer Agency recommends buying glasses at opticians and specialized establishments, museums and scientific centers and astronomical associations. They are quite affordable, not exceeding three or four euros.
Can I take off the glasses?
It is only safe to observe the eclipse with the naked eye when it is total. It will only be visible in the southern strip of Catalonia, from the regions of Tarragona and southern Lleida. In the total phase, for a few seconds, the Sun is completely covered by the Moon. Therefore, both before and after the total phase of the eclipse, it is mandatory to keep your glasses on. In any case, the authorities and experts recommend wearing glasses at all times to avoid surprises and possible injuries. According to the Catalan Agency for Consumption, it is best to put on your glasses before looking at the Sun and look away before taking them off.
In the demarcations of Barcelona and Girona, where the eclipse will not be total, you will also need to wear glasses at all times.
Can I use binoculars to see the eclipse better?
No. Even with our glasses on, optical instruments such as binoculars, telescopes, and camera lenses that do not have a special filter can cause severe retinal burns. These instruments concentrate sunlight and can seriously damage the retina.
Can I tell if I've injured my eyesight?
Although the Sun's radiation during an eclipse can cause serious eye injuries, it is difficult to identify them initially because they are painless. Symptoms appear hours or days later and can include blurred vision, a dark spot in the field of vision, difficulty reading, or distorted images. If any of these symptoms are detected, an ophthalmologist should be visited immediately.
