Doctors: Viewing the eclipse without protection can damage retinas
Retinas capture light that enters the eyes and translates it into images we see.
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Doctors are reminding people not to watch the solar eclipse without special eye protection.
Viewing the eclipse with naked eyes can cause damage to one's retinas, which capture light that enters the eyes and translates it into images we see.
Protective eyewear is available at stores such as Walgreens, Staples, B&H Photo and Walmart. Ophthalmologists say people must make sure the glasses they purchase are legit.
"You need to wear proper eclipse glasses with the solar filter iso 12312-2," says Dr. Nicole Bajic.
GUIDE: Where to watch the 2024 solar eclipse in New Jersey
MORE: Officials work to educate public about dangers of looking directly at solar eclipse
Eyes are not the only area of the body that needs to be protected this spring. As the season continues, people need to be aware of any seasonal allergies they may have.
Health officials estimate 1 in 4 American adults are allergic to airborne irritants such as pollen and mold. A study in the National Institutes of Health found over the last 30 years, pollen seasons have started about 20 days earlier and last eight days longer.
Doctors say people can plan ahead by having an antihistamine that works best for them on-hand. Allergy suffers can also speak to their doctor and find out if it is more effective to take allergy medication or receive allergy shots to avoid or reduce symptoms
