Solar eclipse glasses: What you need to know

20-Minute Health Talk

Whether you're planning to watch from your backyard or travel, it's important to watch the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse safely. On this episode, you'll hear from two experts on what to expect and how to prepare for the celestial phenomenon of the moon blocking out the sun. Northwell Health ophthalmologist Matthew Gorski, MD, explains the risks of staring into the sun and how solar eclipse glasses can protect your vision no matter where you're watching from. Retired meteorologist Joe Rao shares his extensive knowledge on the topic, including personal accounts from many years spent "chasing eclipses." The instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium reveals where to be, how to watch if you don’t have glasses, what to look for and, most importantly, why everyone should go out of their way to see a solar eclipse: "Without a doubt, the greatest cosmic pageant that can be witnessed.”

Chapters:

• 00:01 - Intro
• 01:57 - What is a solar eclipse?
• 03:30 - Dangers of looking into the sun
• 04:21 - Solar retinopathy
• 05:44 - What are solar eclipse glasses?
• 07:28 - Where to get solar eclipse glasses
• 08:05 - How much do solar eclipse glasses cost?
• 08:25 - Solar eclipse glasses alternatives
• 09:50 - Path of totality 2024
• 11:52 - What will I see if in the Tri-state area?
• 13:56 - Do solar eclipse glasses expire?
• 14:50 - Solar eclipse glasses and kids
• 15:45 - What NOT to do during the solar eclipse
• 16:20 - Joe Rao talks astronomy and meteorology

Get more expert insights from leading experts in the field — Northwell Newsroom.

Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.

For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Interested in a career at Northwell Health? Visit http://bit.ly/2Z7iHFL and explore our many opportunities.

Facebook – / northwellhealth Instagram - / northwellhealth X - https://www.x.com/northwellhealth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin/northwellhealth