Protective glasses allow individuals to safely view solar eclipse

January 15, 2010

January 15th marks the annual solar eclipse, which will be visible in many parts of the world. As people clamber to view the natural phenomenon, eye experts urge them to wear reliable, protective eyeglasses that have been certified to guard against vision problems caused by looking at a solar eclipse.

According to ExpressBuzz.com, wearing sunglasses will not guard against the vision-damaging spectacle.

It's important that those who wish to view the eclipse outfit themselves with protective lenses specifically designed for the occasion, and that the glasses are purchased from a reliable source. The glasses work by filtering out the sun's radiation, the website reports.

The event has received a lot of attention in the Democratic Republic of Congo, parts of which will be able to observe the eclipse for nearly two and a half hours.

News.Xinhuanet.com reported that Mwami Mopipi Mukulumanya, the Congolese Minister of Public Health, urged citizens to take care of their eyes when looking at the eclipse in order to avoid possible vision complications such as poor eye sight and color cognition distortion.