FINAL SOLAR ECLIPSE TIPS AND FACTS
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Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Saturday, August 12, 2017
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:
Monday, August 7, 2017
SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY - PART 2
 SOLAR ECLIPSE - SAFE VIEWING TIPSARE 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:
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Wednesday, August 2, 2017
SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY - PART 1
SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY
American Optometric Association Encourages Safe and Fun Viewing of August
Eclipse
On August 21,
a total solar eclipse will touch the U.S. mainland for the first time since
1979, following a path that crosses the country from Salem, Oregon to
Charleston, South Carolina. Tens of millions of people who live within a
70-mile radius of its cross-country track will witness the eclipse in totality
(the sun completely blocked by the moon) while millions of others outside of it
will enjoy a partial eclipse. The American Optometric Association (AOA) is urging Americans to view the eclipse with
proper eye protection to avoid any temporary or permanent eye damage from the
sun.
“The eclipse is a rare moment that the whole country is able
to share,” said THE DOCS. “As America’s primary eye health and vision care experts, doctors
of optometry are excited to help everyone enjoy it safely by protecting their
eyes.”
To ensure spectators
won’t miss the remarkable sight, the AOA is sharing a few tips for safe viewing:
· Get centered and enjoy the view. Within the path of totality, you can safely witness the two or more minutes when the moon completely covers the sun with the naked eye. Otherwise, your eyes should always be protected by verified viewing tools. Never look directly at the sun without eye protection, even briefly. Visit eclipse.aas.org to access eclipse duration charts.
· Know your duration. Outside of the path of totality, always use solar filters. O.D.s want to reinforce that the only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters or other ISO-certified filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. The AOA encourages ordering solar eclipse glasses in advance and recommends referring to the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) site for a list of manufacturers.
· Be aware of harmful solar exposure. If you stare at the sun without protection, you may experience damage to your retina (the tissue at the back of your eye) called “solar retinopathy.” This damage can occur without any sensation of pain, since the retina does not have pain receptors. The injury can be temporary or permanent. Visit your local doctor of optometry immediately if an accident occurs.
· Visit your doctor of optometry. Check in with the Doctors at Memphis Family Vision for information about safely viewing the eclipse. If you experience any problems with your eyes or vision after the eclipse, our office will be able to provide you with the medical care you need.
To access additional
information and educational materials on the solar eclipse, visit aoa.org/2017eclipse.
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.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Blue Light Protection
Blue
Light Protection
The
average person today spends over 10 hours per day looking at a screen*. This can be a computer screen, a cell phone,
a tablet, an e-reader or other digital device.
Blue light rays emitted from these devices may cause eye strain,
headaches, and even sleep disorders.
Eyeglass
lens companies are now producing a variety of blue-blocking lenses and lens
coatings. These are available in both prescription and non-prescription eyewear
under a variety of names, and with a variety of purposes.
Parents
are starting to realize the value of blue-blocking lenses for their school age
children and have started asking for this feature in their children’s
eyewear. Many are purchasing special
glasses to keep at the home computer so that it is readily available.
People
who wear blue-blocking lenses have reported**:
·
98.2%
have noticed significant sleep improvement
·
99.1%
have noticed that their eyes feel more “relaxed” indoors
·
65.1%
have noticed a significant reduction in headaches and migraines.
Remember
to ask your eye doctor about which type of blue-blocking lens will best suit
your needs for viewing your computer and other digital devices, and protecting
your eyes from blue light.
Sources:
*Nielson survery reported by CNN, July '16
**Blue Tech wearer survey. Bluetechlenses.com
Thursday, June 22, 2017
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.”
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Digital Eye Strain
Are You Suffering From Digital Eye Strain?
Addicted to facebook and Instagram?
Can't get enough of cute cat videos?
Work at the computer all day?
Constantly playing video games?
Permanently attached to your smart phone?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from digital eye strain!
What is Digital Eye Strain?
According to a Vision Council report, digital eye strain is the physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen and is associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital screens, including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, e-readers and smartphones.
What are the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?
Dry eyes, eye strain, brain fatigue and neck pain are all symptoms associated with Digital Eye Strain.
Why does this happen?
Our eyes were never meant to look at millions of glowing pixels all day. Small type and pixelated images force our eyes to work harder in order to focus.
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum. It comes from the sun, as well as artificial light sources like digital screens and fluorescent lights. This type of light gets absorbed deep in the eye, making it one of the most intense forms of visible light to humans. While blue light can be beneficial in moderation by helping to regulate our body’s internal clock and improving alertness, it can also lead to the development of certain eye conditions and is believed to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
What can be done to help me?
The optical industry has responded to the shift in digital habits by developing lens technology to alleviate vision problems and protect eyes from blue light, glare and other environmental stressors. Many of these "computer glasses" filter up to 20% of blue light and are available in both prescription and non-prescription eyewear. The lenses and filters are customized to reduce blurriness and pixilation, decrease brightness, block blue light, and minimize glare while working in front of a screen.
Ask you eye doctor if you would be a good candidate for any of the new lens materials and filters that help reduce Digital Eye Strain!
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