TEMPLE, Texas — The April 8 total solar eclipse is quickly approaching, much to the excitement of 'umbraphiles'. Umbraphile is the term for someone who goes to great lengths to witness a total eclipse.
Fortunately for Central Texans, the path of 2024's eclipse will pass right over our heads, but there is a risk associated with looking at it.
"If you do not wear protective glasses, particularly the eclipse glasses, you can actually get solar burns to your eye. You could damage your retina," said Amy Mersiovsky, Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing at A&M-Central Texas.
As thousands will travel to the Central Texas area to view the eclipse, medical experts are warning both visitors and locals about the importance of eye safety. The only time it's safe to look at the sun is during totality when the moon is completely blocking the sun.
"Minor damage or you could get some permanent damage that could go all the way to blindness," said Mersiovsky, explaining the possible consequences of looking at the eclipse.
6 News spoke to American Paper Optics CEO John Jerit about what to look for when shopping for eclipse glasses.
Jerit said to look out for the International Organization for Standardization, ISO, emblem on glasses and packaging.
"The glasses are well constructed and manufactured and the lenses are tested and certified so that the lenses block out the correct amount of ultraviolet and intense visible light," said Jerit.
Jerit also warned to avoid buying from foreign importers who may offer their glasses at a better cost. He says doing so only increases the chance of you buying an untested product.
"Quite frankly, we're talking about a few dollars here," said Jerit, "This is a big deal. This is going to be so much fun. So why worry, you know?"
More eclipse coverage from 6 News: