How to protect your vision during the 2024 total solar eclipse

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - With just on week to this year’s total solar eclipse, one Cedar Rapids Optometrist says it’s essential for viewers to wear eye protection, such as eclipse glasses.

“There is a very real risk of blindness, potentially permanent reduction in your ability to see colors and clarity.” said Dr. Christine Winter-Rundell.

Without proper protection, looking directly at the sun can cause solar retinopathy, which is when the macular tissue gets damaged.

That tissue is responsible for central vision, color vision and the ability to see fine details.

And although some cases will go away on their own, others won’t.

But eclipse glasses can allow you to look straight at the sun without damaging your eyes.

“Eclipse glasses are the only safe way to look at an eclipse, to look at the sun. And these glasses, if they’re reputable, are literally over 1,000 times darker than the best pair of sunglasses.” said Winter-Rundell.

But not all eclipse glasses are made equally.

Some counterfeiters will sell glasses that seem safe, when in reality, they haven’t been approved by reputable doctors.

And although there’s no perfect way to tell if your glasses are knockoffs, Winter-Rundell says you should look for a few things.

“All of these should have an ISO, which is an international standards number printed on them. ISO 12312-2.” she said.

In addition to the correct ISO number, she says getting your glasses from reputable source, such as your own eye doctor, is best.