Protective eyewear recommended for viewing of total solar eclipse

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday and experts say the danger of permanent eye damage still exists.

“The eye focuses the sunlight directly onto the retina on a very small spot, and it will burn and destroy the vital nerve cells called photoreceptors," said Ophthalmologist, Dr. Vincent Vann.

Vann says there’s no universal treatment for long-term eye damage.

There are several things people can do to protect themselves including wearing special lenses or eyeglass filters.

Vann says to be aware of fake lenses on the market.

“The problem nowadays is there’s so many ways to get these filters, almost like sunglasses, that you have to make sure that they are meeting the international standard," he said.

He recommends a particular lens that meets international safety standards, known as ISO 12312-2.

Dr. Vann also recommends keeping an eye on your children during the eclipse.

"Children have to be supervised at all times if you’re going to be watching the eclipse with them. If you have special viewers - solar eclipse viewers - for them, make sure they have them on and they don’t slip them off or look around them."

The eclipse is set to take place in the Valley around 1:30 PM on Monday.