WARNING ECLIPSE!

The naked-eye observation of the solar eclipse of August 11, 99 can cause irreversible retinal burns.

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During the previous solar eclipses, several hundred cases of severe vision impairment have been described. Indeed, the observation with the naked eye of an eclipse of the sun for less than a minute can cause severe burns of the retina up to the final formation of blind spots in the field of vision. The risk appears even if we observe the sun very short time, or intermittently. The observation reckless sunlight using binoculars, telescope or camera can even cause damage in a split second. The risks are even greater for people who are already suffering from a disease of the retina.

No symptoms Alert

Training lesions of the retina is not accompanied by any pain or burning, or other symptoms. Only after a few hours or days emerges to visual disturbances accompanied by a decrease in vision. No treatment is effective. Disorders may decrease slowly over weeks or months. But sequelae may persist. Some are minor visual disturbances, sometimes serious declines in vision. In severe cases, people may remain permanently blind.

Special goggles

The Secretary of State for Health agreed with astronomical societies and manufacturers to make widely available special glasses, rimmed cardboard, the maximum price of 5 F. These glasses meet a European standard and are CE marked, and the logo of the Secretary of State for Health. They are accompanied by instructions for use in French. Because of their fragility, it is advisable to remove the glasses from their packaging at the last moment (to avoid scratches and holes) and carry them throughout the duration of the partial eclipse of the sun. They can be removed for a brief period when the total eclipse, but must be submitted before the sun rises.

Inadequate attention to the protections

Many traditional defenses are ineffective and not recommended: glass plate blackened by candlelight or kerosene lamp, watching through photographic film superimposed or through sunglasses superimposed (even ice glasses). Only some welding goggles could be used, but they are expensive.