Allegheny Health Network is offering helpful safety guidelines ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. Residents and visitors in Erie will see the eclipse in the zone of 100 percent totality. 

“Although we’re excited to witness a solar eclipse, we want to ensure that our eyes are well-protected from any damage it could cause,” said Sarah Zambotti, OD, optometrist at AHN. “Looking at the sun without protective eclipse glasses supported by the American Astronomical Society could cause solar retinopathy or photokeratitis – retinal injuries caused by a photochemical reaction.”

According to Dr. Zambotti, solar eclipse filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard are 100,000 times darker than normal sunglasses and will filter damaging UV rays from the sun to protect your ocular health. 

Dr. Zambotti said these type of glasses can be purchased at American Paper Optics, Daystar Filters, Rainbow Symphony and Thousand Oaks Optical. 

A handful of locations in the Erie area will be giving away eclipse glasses for free. Erie News Now will be handing out over 5,000 ISO certified glasses at our watch party at the Erie Sports Center. 

AHN ophthalmologists also offer the following guidance when preparing to view the solar eclipse:

  • Do not use regular sunglasses to view the eclipse. If you plan to watch the total or partial eclipse, purchase solar glasses that meet the safety requirement of the ISO 12312-2 international standard, supported by the American Astronomical Society.
  • Do not watch through a phone camera. Watching the eclipse through a cell phone camera, camera lens, binoculars or other recording devices can magnify the UV light and can cause further damage to the retina.
  • Be cautious of children. While children’s eyes are more vulnerable to sun damage, they can still enjoy the eclipse by wearing protective glasses.
  • Stay inside if you have prior eye conditions. If you have prior macular conditions, sit this one out to avoid further damage and watch videos later!

Additionally, representatives from AHN said if you experience prolonged redness, watery eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light after watching the eclipse you should contact your eye doctor to assess the damage of the ocular tissues. 

More information on vision and eye care can be found on AHN's website.