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Beware the Eyes of April…with the total solar eclipse, April 8, 2024, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton optometrist and ophthalmologist urge everyone viewing the celestial event to safely prepare and protect their vision from injury from following tips recommended by the American Optometric Association, such as using only approved solar eclipse viewers. The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as ‘eclipse glasses’ or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2 for safe viewing. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. Inspect any type of eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use – if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device. “Viewing an eclipse can be an amazing experience if done safely. However, looking directly at the sun without protection from the ultraviolet radiation can cause serious and permanent damage to the retina, including solar retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss,” remarked Cmdr. Michael Buyske, Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit Bangor optometrist (Official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton).