Health officials say eclipse glasses are imperative

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The countdown to the highly anticipated solar eclipse is now just three days away, and local health officials want to reemphasize how to safely enjoy the eclipse.

On Monday, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. Those who choose to view this rare eclipse, local health officials are warning that everyone must wear the eclipse glasses.

Doctor Vicki Whitacre, from the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department, explains what can happen if people do not wear them.

“Well the biggest danger is that you can burn the back of your eye, said Whitacre. Being out looking directly at the sun for anything longer than 10 to 20 seconds, you run the risk of burning the back of your eye.”

If the back of a humans eye does get burnt, your retina will not recover, and that becomes a permanent blind area in your eye, and your central vision may be gone. Doctor Whitacre strongly encourages parents to monitor kids, and make sure they are wearing glasses the correct way.

“You put them on, and particularly with children, you need to secure them by putting a string to tie them on to the back of their head. Parents really need to supervise children, so that they make sure the child has the glasses on and looks at the sun that way.”

All local vendors giving away glasses are now sold out, but sharing the eye wear is encouraged.

The peak time to view the eclipse in our area is around 2:30 p.m. on Monday.