Health Highlights: Solar eclipse safety + Autism in adults
We've all seen the warnings not to stare directly at the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 without eye protection.
While it might be tempting to ignore those warnings, don't.
The light from an eclipse can do some serious damage.
“There is a concern if you get direct sunlight for too long of a period of time to the back of your eye, you can essentially burn your retina and have permanent vision loss, sometimes complete vision loss if that exposure is long enough and intense enough," says Ben Kemp, MD, an emergency physician with OSF HealthCare.
NASA has some safe eclipse viewing tips:
- Wear specially made eclipse glasses or welder's goggles rated 14 or higher.
- Use specially designed solar telescopes or solar binoculars.
- Supervise children closely when they're using solar filters and eclipse glasses
While autism in adults has improved, the ability to recognize what it looks like in everyday life is still a challenge, according to Theresa Regan, PhD, the lead neuropsychologist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
Dr. Regan says misconceptions remain, and that many cases don't get diagnosed until adulthood.
“The great majority of adults who are autistic are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions," Dr. Regan says. "So we want to rectify that and have the right diagnosis for every person every time.”
Dr. Regan says autism characteristics have to be present in childhood.
But in many cases, it's not recognized until more complex situations arise like navigating relationships.
She adds that self awareness is key, and to speak with a medical provider if you have any questions or concerns.