FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Health is urging New Brunswickers to take precautions to protect their eyes during the solar eclipse on April 8.
While the event will attract the interest of many people, Dr. Yves Léger, acting chief medical officer of health, said it will also pose risks for the public’s health, particularly their eye health.
“Looking directly at the eclipse, without the proper eye protection, could potentially lead to permanent damage or possibly even blindness,” said Léger. “Do not look at the sun without using proper certified eye protection eclipse glasses, or else you could risk damaging your vision.”
People are advised to use certified solar eclipse glasses in accordance with ISO 12312-2:2015 and follow the directions that come with this special eyewear, said Léger.
“Young people and dependant adults should be supervised if they plan to use these special glasses to ensure they are using them properly,” said Léger. “It is important everybody understands that wearing regular sunglasses, or using your phone or an unfiltered camera, will not be good enough, and could be unsafe.”
The Canadian Association of Optometrists website has additional safety information and a link to a list of reputable vendors for certified solar eclipse glasses.
People are reminded there are other ways to view the eclipse safely, such as using a pinhole camera. Instructions on making one are available on the Canadian Space Agency website.
Public Health is aware there will be several eclipse-related events happening in the province on April 8, and urges people to consider the risks and take the necessary precautions to enjoy those events safely.
