In 2017, Amanda Uhry from New York City had a terrifying experience during a partial eclipse at Maine’s Acadia National Park. Uhry needed stitches in her knee after feeling dizzy and falling while watching the eclipse. She noticed a zombie-like effect on herself and others after the eclipse passed and developed dry eye syndrome in one eye. Due to her experience, she vowed never to look at an eclipse again and warned her friends and family about the potential dangers.
As another total solar eclipse approached in April 8, 2024, New Yorkers, including doctors, were concerned about potential eye damage from viewing the eclipse. Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist, explained that even a partial eclipse could be dangerous as the visible portion of the sun can still harm the eyes, particularly the retina. He highlighted the case of a young woman who developed eye damage after viewing the 2017 eclipse and stressed the importance of using protective glasses from reputable sources.
Nia Payne from Staten Island suffered permanent retinal damage in both eyes after viewing the 2017 eclipse with what she thought were protective glasses. She was diagnosed with solar retinopathy, a condition with no treatment. Payne faced challenges in her daily life due to the dark spot in her vision and urged others to be cautious while viewing eclipses. Dr. Deobhakta emphasized the importance of using proper eye protection and warned against taking risks with eye safety during the eclipse.
As the upcoming eclipse approached, concerns also arose about the impact on animals. Dini von Mueffling noticed strange behavior in her dog, Olive, after the 2017 eclipse as the dog paddled far into the ocean on a walk. Unable to reach her, von Mueffling was grateful when a stranger rescued Olive from the waves. She now plans on keeping Olive in a crate during the eclipse to prevent any strange behavior. The potential effects of an eclipse on animals, as seen in Olive’s case, highlight the need for caution and awareness around pets during such events.
Dr. Deobhakta advised using only ISO-standard glasses with proper filters to view the eclipse safely, as the consequences of improper eye protection can be severe. He stressed the importance of taking eye safety seriously during eclipses, given the potential for permanent damage. Stories like that of Amanda Uhry, Nia Payne, and Olive the dog serve as cautionary tales about the risks of viewing eclipses without the necessary precautions. Awareness and preparation are key to enjoying celestial events safely for both humans and animals.
In conclusion, the experiences of New Yorkers like Amanda Uhry, Nia Payne, and Dini von Mueffling underscore the importance of taking precautions while viewing eclipses. With the upcoming total solar eclipse, it is crucial to prioritize eye safety and be vigilant in protecting oneself and others, including pets, from potential harm. By following expert advice, using proper eye protection, and being aware of the risks associated with eclipses, individuals can enjoy these rare natural phenomena safely and without lasting consequences.
