On April 8th, 2024, Indiana will be a hotspot destination for the total solar eclipse! Being prepared for this event is crucial, especially protecting your eyes.
How To Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely in Indiana
Solar filters, like solar eclipse glasses, are the only safe way to look directly at the sun. Before using your solar eclipse glasses, check for the appropriate ISO labels and any damage to the solar filters, and if so, discard it. If you are watching this event, take place with children present, always supervise children using solar filters. You can wear solar eclipse glasses over your prescription glasses. Do not remove the solar eclipse glasses while looking at the sun, although you should turn away first and then remove your glasses. Solar filters should be used on cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or any other optical device while viewing the eclipse. If looking through an unfiltered optical device, the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eyes causing serious injury.
Do you need solar eclipse glasses?
If you plan on watching the Solar Eclipse in Indiana, the only safe way to directly look at the sun is through solar filters. These solar filters are used in “solar eclipse glasses,” and must meet a very specific worldwide standard known as “ISO 12312-2″. The ISO is an independent organization that writes safety and quality standards for all kinds of things, including eyewear, health care, food production and more based on a broad consensus of the scientific community.
Can you see the solar eclipse with polarized sunglasses?
You will not be able to see the solar eclipse with regular sunglasses. It does not matter how dark sunglasses are, they are not safe for viewing the sun.
Is it safe to wear polarized sunglasses during the solar eclipse?
No, it is not safe. Sunglasses and eclipse glasses may look similar, but they are made of different materials. Sunglasses are typically made of glass, plastic or a polycarbonate material. While, solar filters are made of one of two materials: polyester film coated in aluminum or called black polymer. A pair of polarized sunglasses typically lets in between 10 and 20 percent sunlight, which is way too bright. The filters on solar eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker. There should be no more than 0.00032 percent of the sun’s light may be transmitted through the filters.
Listen to Dr. Jessica Lambert Moore talk about solar eclipse safety
Check out Dr. Jessica Lambert Moore’s radio clip that aired on K101 and Spirit 95, which discusses essential tips on protecting your eyes from sun damage during the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8.
When to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Indiana
The Indianapolis area will experience darkness for 3 minutes and 44 seconds as the moon completely covers the sun while passing between the Earth and sun. This is the first time in 819 years that the total solar eclipse will be visible in Indianapolis. Every part of our state will experience 100% or 90% totality, allowing everyone in the state to witness this incredible event. Being prepared for this event is crucial, especially protecting your eyes. You must use adequate eye protection met by current safety standards.
Where to find solar eclipse glasses?
On April 8th, 2024, Indiana will be a hotspot destination for the total solar eclipse! At Dr. Tavel, we understand the importance of eye care safety during an extraordinary event like the solar eclipse. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved solar eclipse glasses vendors to reference so you’re purchasing glasses that are safe to wear during a solar eclipse.
Ensure that your eyes are safely protected during the event of a lifetime! Visit drtavel.com to find your nearest location and schedule your appointment today!
Common symptoms of eye damage from a solar eclipse
If you experience eye pain or your vision is affected after the eclipse, it might be a sign of solar retinopathy. Typically, the damage will become noticeable over the following 12 hours after staring at the sun. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Blurry vision
- Headache
- A blind spot in your central vision in one or both eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Distorted vision, in which a straight line looks bent, or a door jamb looks curvy
- Changes in the way you see color, known as “dyschromatopsia”