Optometrist: Protect eyes during the eclipse

  • Published
  • By Merrie Schilter-Lowe
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Capt. Adrian Hulbert, 60th Medical Group, was in elementary school in Flint, Michigan when she witnessed her first solar eclipse. 

“My principal, Dale Vorwerk, brought in a welding helmet for all of the 200 or so kids to take turns viewing the eclipse through,” she recalled.  “I remember it being a cool experience and I also remember how much safety was briefed to us before we went outside for the event.”

Now an optometrist at Travis Air Force Base, California, Hulbert is the one stressing safety.

On Monday, the United States will witness a total eclipse of the sun by the moon from Oregon to South Carolina.  Not since 1918 has there been a coast to coast eclipse and not until 2045 will it happen again.   

 “I think everyone should get out and enjoy this natural phenomenon but make sure they do it in a safe way,” said Hulbert.

An eclipse occurs when the moon partially or fully blocks the sun.  A partial eclipse occurs two to five times a year.  However, a total eclipse occurs nearly every 18 months in limited areas, according to NASA.  

Although viewing her first eclipse had nothing to do with Hulbert becoming an optometrist, she said she’s glad the adults in her life took precautions “to protect curious young eyes.”

“We are trying to bring awareness to this event because we care about people and their vision,” said Hulbert.  “Everyone knows you should not look directly at the sun, but they may not realize that even with part of the sun covered by the moon, it is still powerful enough to damage your eyes permanently.”   

About a dozen states will see the moon totally block the sun; however, people at Travis will see only a 70 to 90 percent blockage.

People who don’t have a welder’s helmet with the correct filters – NASA recommends shade numbers 12 to 14.  People also can protect their eyes with certified eclipse eyeglasses or a handheld solar viewer that meets international standards, ISO 12312-2, said Hulbert.  Dark or polarized sunglasses and homemade filters will not work. 

NASA also recommends that cameras, telescopes, or binoculars used for viewing be equipped with special-purpose solar filters, which are available at community centers, public libraries and through reputable manufacturers online.  People should not use filters that are bent, scratched or otherwise defective.   

“Always supervise children using solar viewers as young eyes are particularly susceptible to solar exposure damage,” added Hulbert. 

Ironically, when Hulbert was viewing her first eclipse in Flint, her future husband, C.J., was in another part of the state also watching.

“His teacher made with them the indirect pinhole viewers where you watch the shadow on the sidewalk,” said Hulbert. 

NASA provides instructions to make pinhole projectors on its website and provides a free downloadable guide with basic information on eclipses in non-technical terms.  The website also provides information on when and where to see the eclipse in each part of the United States. 

For even more safety, NASA will provide two live feeds of the solar eclipse on NASA TV and NASA Edge, beginning at 8:45 a.m. PDT.  For more information, visit: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov. 

“If you experience problems with your eyes or vision following the eclipse, contact the optometry clinic at 707-423-7171, option 5,” said Hulbert.  “After duty hours, contact the emergency room.”