Can you look at solar eclipse with sunglasses? Are you wondering this? Because there’s solar eclipse coming on April 8, 2024. According to the NASA’s report “A total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.” Do you want to see the majestic scene? but how to do it? can you just watch the solar eclipse in naked eyes? or you need a tool? like a hiking sunglasses? Now keep on reading this article, let’s see can you look at a solar eclipse with sunglasses?

Can you look at a solar eclipse with sunglasses?

The answer is no, you should not just use sunglasses to see solar eclipse, sunglasses mostly help by blocking out the sun's harmful rays, keeping our eyes safe. While when there's a solar eclipse, they're not powerful enough to shield our eyes from the dangerous sunlight. Watching a total solar eclipse with sunglasses can't protect us while it might lead to eye damage or even blindness. In a solar eclipse, we want to see the sun's outer atmosphere, which is still super bright. So, using sunglasses that block us from seeing the corona isn't right for watching a total solar eclipse.

 

Effects looking at solar eclipse in naked eyes

Viewing a solar eclipse with the naked eye may cause "eating blindness," a short-lived eye disease with symptoms including blurred vision and the appearance of black spots in front of the eyes. More seriously, looking directly at the sun for long periods of time, even during a partial eclipse, can cause permanent retinal damage.

can you look at solar eclipse with sunglasses?

 

How long does eclipse blindness last?

There is no treatment for solar retinopathy, but you should always see an ophthalmologist for vision problems to make sure the cause is indeed what you think it is. Many people will recover from retinopathy in three to six months, but permanent damage in the form of visual blind spots or distortions is not unheard of.

Still Necessary You Look At Solar Eclipse with Sunglasses

Although it is not wise to look at solar eclipse with sunglasses, but this doesn’t mean it’s not necessary to wear one when you are watching a beautiful while dangerous solar eclipse. A pair of sunglasses can still protect your eyes from the partial phase of the total solar eclipse, which is still very strong for our naked eyes to burdern, and using sunglasses can avoid excessive stimulation of the retina and reduce eye fatigue and discomfort. In addition, sunglasses can also help us perform some routine observations during a partial solar eclipse, such as watching the surrounding scenery or reading a book.

However, it's important to note that sunglasses are not able to protect your eyes in a solar eclipse as a specialized eclipse viewing equipment. During the final phase of a total solar eclipse and the initial phase of light generation (in layman's terms, the moon is about to block, completely blocks, and just begins to leak light after the blockage ends), we cannot see the sun's corona even with sunglasses. Therefore, in order to view the total solar eclipse safely and effectively, we should use special eclipse glasses or adopt other safe observation methods.

How to safely look at solar eclipse?

Use sunglasses: Choose high-quality sunglasses that block 99.9% of UV rays. When viewing a total solar eclipse, you can use sunglasses to protect your eyes.Use special eclipse glasses: These are special eye protection designed for viewing during a total solar eclipse. They block most of the sunlight but still allow us to see the corona.Projection method: Use a piece of blackened glass to reflect sunlight onto a white wall or screen, and watch the total solar eclipse through projection.Telescopic projection method: Use a telescope to project the image of the sun on a screen for viewing.The only safe way to look directly at the sun during an eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters, like eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. Remember the only safe time to look at the sun without solar filters is during the 2-4 minutes of total eclipse

Conclusion

Now you should clear about the question, “can you look at solar eclipse with sunglasses?” No, just using it which is not powerful to protect you in an solar eclipse. while they still serve a purpose during the partial phases, reducing eye strain and discomfort. Yet, for observing the total eclipse safely and effectively, specialized eclipse glasses or other approved viewing methods are indispensable. Understanding the risks of direct exposure to the sun during an eclipse emphasizes the importance of using appropriate protective eyewear or utilizing projection techniques.

Remember, the only safe moments to view the sun without solar filters occur during the brief duration of a total eclipse—those precious few minutes when the sun's corona is visible in all its glory. Take care and ensure your viewing methods prioritize eye safety to cherish this remarkable natural spectacle. If you are wondering what sunglasses you should pick for a solar eclipse, come on visit at RVR polarized sunglasses, we have everything you are looking for.

November 14, 2023 — RVR OPTICS