Statement From New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald On Eclipse Viewing Eye Safety

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 8, 2024) – "As we prepare to experience the total solar eclipse later today, the New York State Department of Health is once again urging everyone who plans to view this historic event to be extremely cautious to avoid harming their eyesight.

Looking directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause serious, permanent damage, including blindness. Wearing eclipse glasses or using handheld solar viewers that are ISO-certified are the only safe ways to view this spectacular event. Remember, regular sunglasses simply will not provide any protection from potential retinal damage.

If you wear prescription eyeglasses, keep them on and put the eclipse glasses on over them, or hold a handheld viewer in front of your glasses. While it may be tempting to use a camera or telescope to view the eclipse, don't use them unless you have special filters that will provide proper protection. And be sure to supervise children to ensure they don't remove their solar glasses at any time while viewing the eclipse.

Symptoms that indicate eye damage from improper viewing of the eclipse may take a few hours or even days to manifest, but if you experience discomfort or vision problems such as distortions or loss of central vision, consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist immediately.

To ensure you enjoy the totality of the experience, dress for the weather, wear sunscreen to protect exposed skin, and plan your drive if you are going elsewhere to view the eclipse. Traffic is likely to be very heavy and slow moving, so heed roadside signs and individuals directing traffic, be patient behind the wheel and give yourself plenty of time before and after the eclipse to make sure you get to and from your destination safely.

Finally, enjoy this celestial spectacle and rejoice with the people with whom you share the experience."