SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY - PART 4

FINAL SOLAR ECLIPSE TIPS AND FACTS

Click HERE to view a larger image.

SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY - PART 3

HOW TO VIEW THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks any part of the Sun. On Monday, August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will be visible (weather permitting) across all of North America. The whole continent will experience a partial eclipse lasting 2 to 3 hours. Halfway through the event, anyone within a roughly 70-mile-wide path from Oregon to South Carolina (http://bit.ly/1xuYxSu) will experience a brief total eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds, turning day into night and making visible the otherwise hidden solar corona — the Sun’s outer atmosphere — one of nature’s most awesome sights. Bright stars and planets will become visible as well. 

Looking directly at the Sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase of a solar eclipse (“totality”), when the Moon entirely blocks the Sun’s bright face, which will happen only within the narrow path of totality (http://bit.ly/1xuYxSu). 

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” (example shown at left) or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun. To date four manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics (A Memphis Company), Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.

 • Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter. Always supervise children using solar filters. 

• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After glancing at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the Sun. 

• Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device. Similarly, do not look at the Sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will damage the filter and enter your eye(s), causing serious injury. Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. 

• If you are within the path of totality (http://bit.ly/1xuYxSu), remove your solar filter only when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright Sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to glance at the remaining partial phases. 

An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially eclipsed Sun is pinhole projection. For example, cross the outstretched, slightly open fingers of one hand over the outstretched, slightly open fingers of the other. With your back to the Sun, look at your hands’ shadow on the ground. The little spaces between your fingers will project a grid of small images on the ground, showing the Sun as a crescent during the partial phases of the eclipse. 

A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. By following these simple rules, you can safely enjoy the view and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime. More information: 

eclipse.aas.org                  eclipse2017.nasa.gov

As a service to our patients, Memphis Family Vision will be sharing several articles about safely viewing the eclipse.  These articles come directly from the American Optometric Association, the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation's health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals and optometry students. While the doctors at Memphis Family Vision recommend never looking directly at the sun, they realize the excitement surrounding the eclipse and want patients to take the utmost care and caution when attempting to view this phenomenon.

SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY - PART 2

SOLAR ECLIPSE - SAFE VIEWING TIPS ARE YOU READY FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE ACROSS AMERICA? On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of the United States will have a solar eclipse. The moon will cover at least part of the sun for 2 to 3 hours. Halfway through, anyone within a narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina will experience a brief total eclipse. The moon will completely block the sun's bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds. Day will turn into night, and (weather permitting) one of nature's most awesome sights will become visible: the sun's shimmering outer atmosphere, or corona. The American Optometric Association, in partnership with the American Astronomical Society, is providing detailed information so that you can safely view the eclipse. Here are four ways to safely view a solar eclipse:   Use approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses" or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. If you can't find eclipse viewers, build a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse. Technique of the pros. Before looking at the sun, cover your eyes with the eclipse viewers while standing still. Glance at the sun, turn away and then remove your filter. Do not remove the filter while looking at the sun. Totality awesome. Only within the path of totality-and once the moon completely blocks the sun-can eclipse viewers safely be removed to view totality. Once the sun begins reappearing, however, viewers must be replaced.  Visit your doctor of optometry. If you should experience discomfort or vision problems following the eclipse, visit your local doctor of optometry for a comprehensive eye examination.    As a service to our patients, Memphis Family Vision will be sharing several articles about safely viewing the eclipse.  These articles come directly from the American Optometric Association, the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation's health, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals and optometry students. While the doctors at Memphis Family Vision recommend never looking directly at the sun, they realize the excitement surrounding the eclipse and want patients to take the utmost care and caution when attempting to view this phenomenon.

Summer Heat and Your Sunglasses

Summer Heat and Your Sunglasses

Driving presents a challenge to eyeglass wearers, specifically the need to switch to prescription sunglasses on a sunny summer day.  Purchasing a high quality sunglass lens, with a high quality anti-reflective coating, is just as important as having a premium eyeglass lens.  While driving, you will need to move your head a lot and focus on both the near objects on the dashboard, as well as the distant objects while driving.  You will also need every tool possible to avoid the sun’s glare and the danger it causes.

Many people leave their sunglasses in the car all of the time, as that is where they are most likely to be used.  This presents a unique challenge in warm climates, because many lens coatings can sometimes crack or peel when exposed to the harsh temperatures inside your car on a hot summer day.  At Memphis Family Vision, we urge our patients to take advantage of the highest quality lens coatings we offer, as they are less likely to crack or peel when exposed to the high heat inside your “oven on wheels.”

Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Sports-Related Eye Injuries

Since September is Sports Eye Injury Prevention Awareness Month, THE DOCS wanted to answer some of your questions about eye injuries caused by participation in sporting events.

1.        My child will be participating in school sports this year.  Do we need to worry about eye injuries?

According to Liberty Sport, more than 600,000 eye injuries related to sports and recreation occur each year.  Of these injuries, 42,000 are of a severity that requires Emergency Room attention.  The highest rate of injury occurs in children between the ages of 5 to 14.  The doctors at Memphis Family Vision & SEE Main Street strongly recommend that patients participating in athletic events wear protective eyewear.

2.        If I wear glasses on a regular basis, will that prevent an eye injury?

Actually, sports participants that wear corrective eyewear or sunwear are at a higher risk of eye injury than participants using no eye protection at all.  The lens could pop out and cut the eye, or the frame itself could cause injury.

3.       What should I look for when purchasing sports eyewear?

The frame you buy should be labeled as protective eyewear for sports use, such as Rec Specs.   The lenses should be polycarbonate lenses at least 2.0 mm thick.  You often see notification that the eyewear is certified ASTM F803 to maximize impact resistance. 

4.        Which sports have the highest risk of eye injury?

According to Liberty Sport, the following sports are considered a high-to-moderate risk of eye injury: Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, Hockey, Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball, Water Polo, Football, Air Rifle, BB Gun, Paintball, Boxing, Martial Arts, Cricket, Squash, Racquetball, Fencing, Badminton, Fishing and Golf.  Please note the chart below that breaks down eye injuries by category and age.

5.       What about Contact Lenses as protection, since the cornea is covered by the lens?

No contact lens, whether hard or soft, can protect against an eye injury.  Impact to the eye can actually cause an increased chance for injury in contact lens wearers because the lens can dislodge or fold over.  Besides, many injuries are caused by blunt trauma, like being hit by a stick or a ball, which won’t be prevented by wearing a contact lens.

6.        If I wear a protective helmet or faceguard, won’t that protect against injury to the eye?

Fingers and sports equipment can still penetrate the opening of the facemask.  In addition, a helmet can be knocked off, which will leave you completely vulnerable to injury.

7.        If I get a minor eye injury, should I be worried?

Seemingly minor eye injuries can actually cause major problems.  You should check with your eye doctor if you or your child has an eye injury.  If the injury causes loss of vision, severe pain or tenderness, or a cut around the eye, you should seek medical attention.

Memphis Family Vision and SEE Main Street have a nice selection of protective sports eyewear, both prescription and non-prescription, in a variety of styles, shapes and colors. 

Protecting Your Eyes from Ultra-Violet Light

Protecting Your Eyes from Ultra-Violet Light

Everyone has been told to wear sunscreen to protect their skin from exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet light, but did you know that you also need to protect your eyes as well?  

Sunglasses aren't just a fashion statement; they shield your eyes from ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun, even on cloudy days.  Long term exposure can lead to eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.  

It is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, so the American Optometric Association recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer  both UV-A and UV-B protection, and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outside.  If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames (which are now available with prescription lenses) can provide additional protection from the sun's harmful rays.

It is also very important to remember to provide protection for your children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.  

There are other opportunities to protect your eyes from UV radiation.  A clear coating can be applied to prescription eyeglasses that will also safeguard your eyes from the harmful rays.  In addition, many contact lenses now are available with UV protection.

Every year there are new advances in ultraviolet protection for your eyes.  When you come to our office for your eye exam, make sure you ask one of our doctors or opticians what would work best for your individual needs.