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the Views

Your Eyes Have 2 Million Parts!

Are you taking care of them?

We know you wouldn’t trade your priceless vision for anything. That’s why your annual comprehensive eye exam is essential for your current and future eye health. Getting your eyes checked isn’t only about seeing 20/20, it’s about life.

Eye fact

Prevent digital eye strain when using any screen with the 20-20-20 Rule! Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away.

FIND A COLORADO EYE DOCTOR

47% of Americans skip their annual eye exam.

 

You wouldn’t trade your vision for anything, but skipping your annual eye exam for any reason could be jeopardizing your current and future eye health.

Two simple steps:

Step 1 – Click the “Find An Optometrist” button Step 2 – Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today!

Eye Safety and the Solar Eclipse

Did you know that there will be an annular solar eclipse happening on October 14, 2023? That’s right, and most of Colorado will be able to witness up to 80% of obstruction! An annular solar eclipse is when the Moon does not completely cover the Sun and it will look like a dark disc with a bright reddish-orange ring around it. This is a wonderful opportunity to view a very rare event, but it must be done with caution. According to NASA¹ “viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.” The sun is incredibly powerful and looking at it without protection will permanently damage the central vision in your eye. 

The good news is that we’ve compiled a list of ways to safely view this rare occurrence! When in doubt consult an optometrist near you to help determine the best options for viewing the annular solar eclipse. 

Some options to safely view the solar eclipse are²: 

  • Solar eclipse glasses  
    Use expert-approved solar “eclipse glasses” to view a solar eclipse safely and without damaging your eyes. You must wear your eye protection the entire time while watching a solar eclipse.   
  • Pinhole projection  
    This is the safest and most inexpensive way to watch a solar eclipse. This helps you avoid looking directly at the eclipse by using a projected image. Learn how to make this DIY project here³!   
  • Welder’s glass  
    You can find number 14 welder’s glass at your local welder’s supply or home improvement store. Welder’s glass will reduce the harmful rays that are emitted during the eclipse.  
  • Mylar filters  
    Aluminized mylar plastic sheets are available as eclipse vision glasses or can be cut and made into a viewing box. Do not use if there are any scratches or damage to the sheet.  
  • Additional options  
    You are always able to view the solar eclipse on TV or at a planetarium near you. 

Now that you know the “Dos” for safely watching a solar eclipse, we’ll share the “Don’ts”.   

Do NOT use:  

  • Smartphone  
    You might accidentally look at the sun when trying to line up the smartphone’s camera. This is dangerous for your eyes and the smartphone.  
  • Camera viewfinder  
    Looking through the viewfinder of a camera is almost the same as looking directly at the sun with your own eyes. It is dangerous and can lead to eclipse blindness. 
  • Unsafe filters  
    Unless specifically designed for viewing a solar eclipse, no filter is safe to use with any optical device (telescopes, binoculars, etc.). Using unspecified filters can increase your risk of damaging your eyes.  

    With any of these methods, make sure that the products are not damaged, scratched or broken to ensure maximum eye protection. Also remember, if you wear corrective lenses, place the eclipse viewers over your glasses so you can see the natural event clearly and safely! 

Solar eclipses are an exciting and rare event for most people to witness but be sure that you are properly prepared and protected when the time comes. For any more information on how to keep your eyes protected and healthy now or any other time of the year, reach out to an optometrist near you! 

    1. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2023/oct-14-annular/safety/
    2. https://preventblindness.org/solar-eclipse-and-your-eyes/#:~:text=Never%20look%20directly%20at%20the,permanent%20damage%20to%20your%20eyes.
    3. https://youtu.be/NiT_KHRlSHQ?si=MMNiP-Pc1BTJGIF_
Tips for Dry Eye Relief

Tips for Dry Eye Relief

Did you know that between 16 million and 49 million Americans have dry eyes? This is between 5-15% of the population!¹ Dry eye symptoms are

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Eye fact

Eyes heal quickly. With proper care, it only takes about 48 hours for the eye to repair a corneal scratch.

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