Buzz
Recall all those warnings about using protective gear during an eclipse? A recent study in JAMA Ophthalmology demonstrates the consequences of ignoring them.
Following this August’s eclipse, a woman named Nia Payne visited Mount Sinai’s New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, complaining of a blank spot in her vision. When asked to sketch the shape, she drew the sun as it appeared during the eclipse—round with a section missing.
She had briefly looked at the sun without protection when it was 70 percent covered. Later, she borrowed a pair of eclipse glasses and gazed at the sun for an additional 15 to 20 seconds.
The glasses were likely counterfeit; Payne mentioned the sun appeared excessively bright through them. Using advanced imaging technology, Mount Sinai doctors captured detailed photos of the retinal damage, which matched the shape of her blind spot. According to the Washington Post, this marks the first time such precise eclipse-related damage has been documented.
Next time you have the opportunity to view an eclipse, ensure you use proper protective eyewear—or opt for a pinhole viewer as a safe alternative.
