Featured photo Dr. Aisha Harris, provided by Dr. Aisha Harris
Also written by Dr. Aisha Harris
The world is a beautiful place with the colors, scenes, landscapes, art and more.
Keeping the eyes healthy is plays a key role in being able to appreciate the world around us.
On April 8, 2024, Flint and Genesee County will experience a solar eclipse. This amazing event occurs when
when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, which blocks the view of the sun fully or
partially.
The solar eclipse on April 8 is a total solar eclipse, which does not happen that often, estimated
every 400 years in one place on Earth. Why is this important? Well, the solar eclipse is a
beautiful event to experience, but there are risks. There is major eye damage that can occur
because of looking at the sun in general, but especially during a solar eclipse.
Sunglasses are very beneficial when outside because they serve as a tool to protect the eyes from
sun damage.
If you want to enjoy a solar eclipse, there are also solar eclipse glasses that are
helpful to protect your eyes from damage.
There are multiple ways the sun can unfortunately damage your eyes and it is good to be aware
so you can be more proactive with your eye health and eye protection. Eye damage and problems
caused by sun exposure includes corneal sunburns, eyelid cancer, cataracts, macular
degenerations and eye growths. The eyes may be one of the smallest organs in the body, but they
have an important role in quality of life and functionality.
Everyone is encouraged to protect their eyes from sun damage, especially extended exposures or
exposures during a solar eclipse.
Signs of eye damage can include watery eyes, eye pain or soreness, blurry visions, changes in vision, sensitivity to bright lights, blind spots and even headaches.
If you are concerned about eye damage then it is recommended you see an eye doctor. There are
two types of eye doctors: optometrists and ophthalmologists. Optometrists can do eye screenings
and primary vision care for eyes, while an ophthalmologist can take care of all eye problems
including procedures or surgeries.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Regularly see an eye doctor for chronic eye problems and
acute eye problems. And remember the eyes should not be ignored, and preventative eye health is important so you can continue to appreciate the world around you.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr, Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
