Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care reminds Manitobans to protect their vision during the partial solar eclipse that will occur Monday, April 8, from approximately noon to 3pm.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely or partially covers the sun and blocks its rays. The risk of eye damage is higher during a solar eclipse. Because the sun appears less bright, it is possible to gaze directly at it without triggering the body’s normal protective responses like tears, shrinking pupils and the reflex to turn away. Eye damage, which can be permanent, can occur even when a person doesn’t experience pain or after a brief glimpse.

Children are at a higher risk of harm if they look at the sun without proper eye protection because their eyes let in more light than adult eyes. The province has shared information with schools and childcare providers to help them plan for the eclipse. Other people who may be more at risk include outdoor workers, people who are homeless and spend more time outdoors, and other vulnerable individuals who may need support or guidance to avoid looking at the eclipse. Parents and care providers should monitor young children and vulnerable adults to ensure they do not inadvertently gaze at the solar eclipse.

There are ways to view a solar eclipse more safely and avoid eye damage including:

  • watching the eclipse indirectly, on television or online;
  • using only solar eclipse viewers or filters meeting International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 at all times if viewing directly;
  • not using homemade filters, sunglasses, camera lenses or any other item not made specifically for eclipses; and
  • not viewing the eclipse through a smartphone as it can damage your eyes and your smartphone camera.

If planning to take a picture or record a video of the solar eclipse, wear ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses and use selfie mode. Cover your camera with an approved eclipse filter.

A total solar eclipse will occur in parts of eastern, Canada, the United States and Mexico at the same time. To watch the eclipse online, visit youtube.com.

For more information about solar eclipses, including safety, visit the Canadian Space Agency at asc-csa.gc.ca.