Solar eclipse in the Borderland: How to prepare and what to expect
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- People in the Borderland will have the opportunity to experience a partial solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.
While this will only be partial in El Paso, other areas in Texas will be able to see a total solar eclipse, an event that only happens in the same place around 400 years.
Watch ABC-7 tonight for recommendations and what you can expect from this total solar eclipse ahead of time.
Tune in to ABC-7 Xtra Sunday edition for in depth coverage of the solar eclipse and watch Monday starting at 11 a.m. for more complete coverage.
Claudia Prospero Ponce, ophthalmologist at Texas Tech El Paso, told ABC-7 that looking directly at a solar eclipse can result in solar retinopathy. This is a visual loss from burning the back part of the eye.
"It is very common that my patients tell me, "Can I just use very dark glasses?" Negative. You can't. Otherwise, you may risk the chance of burning your retina," said Prospero Ponce.
In order to look at the eclipse, it is important to wear special solar eclipse glasses with the proper filters. Safe eclipse glasses should have the certification number ISO 12312-2 printed on them.
