New York City parents are expressing concern over the potential eye damage their children may face during the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday. As the eclipse is set to peak citywide around 3 p.m., coinciding with the dismissal of many schools, parents fear that young students may be tempted to gaze directly at the sun, putting their eyes at risk.
“They’ll be reading, writing, and retina-burning!” Parents are urging the city Department of Education to take measures to safeguard their kids from harmful eye exposure during the solar eclipse event.
With the moon expected to cover 89 percent of the sun, parents are worried that their children may suffer from partial blindness or retinal cell damage if they stare at the eclipse without proper eye protection. The concern is especially high among parents of young and curious children who may be tempted to look up despite warnings.
Some parents have shared their fears, with one mother from Queens expressing her worries about her 12-year-old son who attends a local school. The mother emphasized the need for the city to provide adequate eye protection for students to prevent any potential harm.
As the solar eclipse approaches, New Yorkers are advised to use proper eyewear such as eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to view the event safely. Experts warn that looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can result in permanent eye damage known as solar retinopathy.
While some schools across the country have opted to close or release students early to ensure their safety during the eclipse, the New York City Department of Education has not yet announced any similar measures. Parents continue to stress the importance of taking proactive steps to protect students’ eyes during this rare celestial event.
In conclusion, as the solar eclipse approaches, parents in New York City remain concerned about the safety of their children’s eyes. With the potential risks of eye damage during the eclipse, parents are calling for increased awareness and precautions to ensure that students can enjoy the event safely.