GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Monday, eyes will be toward the sky during the total solar eclipse. The path of totality is a 115-mile-wide stretch where people can experience up to four minutes of total darkness.
It can be tempting to look into the phenomenon with naked eyes. However, that can permanently damage your eyes. Using proper eye protection in the form of solar eclipse glasses can prevent that damage.
We spoke with Dr. Matthew Borr, an ophthalmologist with University of Michigan Health-West. He said even a quick glance at the sun during the eclipse can cause damage.
"During the eclipse, the moon is partially blocking the sun, and those bright sunlight rays that normally our eye is reflexively telling us to look away, are not as bright as they are during the eclipse," said Borr. "But the same amount of power is still coming through and it can do damage to your eyes."
He explained the eye works like a magnifying glass, and the rays can burn the retina that takes in the light.
That can cause permanent blind spots or total blindness.
"We cannot fix that," said Borr. "It's brain tissue. It's an extension of the brain, the retina, and that is not repairable."
There is no safe time to look at the sun in West Michigan. However, in the path of totality, when the moon completely covers the sun, Borr said it is OK to look without damage. When the sun first begins to return, the glasses should immediately go back on.
To look at the sun during the eclipse, wear specialty eclipse glasses. You can find a list of where to buy them here.
RELATED VIDEO: Zeeland class makes pinhole projectors ahead of solar eclipse
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