March 12, 2024 — The American Optometric Association (AOA) is sharing eye safety information ahead of the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8. The organization is also supplying materials member doctors can use to further amplify the message.

To prevent eclipse blindness, eclipse viewers must look at the celestial event through special-purpose solar filters that meet international standards for safe viewing.

The AOA shares that all symptoms should be treated as urgent until assessed by an eyecare professional.