UB set to hold special post-eclipse eye clinic

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Many businesses across Western New York will be closed for the eclipse on April 8.

However, one business that will be open is University at Buffalo physicians, who will hold a special post-eclipse eye clinic immediately following the eclipse for those who may have suffered eye damage during the event.

Dr. James Reynolds, the head of the department of ophthalmology at UB, said that even though the sun will be covered by the moon, the sun's rays are still as powerful.

"As the moon covers the sun, your aversion reflex is going to diminish," Dr. Reynolds said. "However, the intensity of the visible light an the ultraviolet light energy that is still coming at you is dramatic."

If someone were to look into the sun for too long without eye protection during the eclipse, they would get a blind spot in the middle of their vision. Dr. Reynolds said there is no safe margin of error and is not advising even taking the glasses off even at full totality.

"But the show will be nice with the eclipse glasses too as you watch the moon cover that sun. Your color perception will change, the sky will change its color, it will be exciting," Dr. Reynolds said. "If you're around any animals, they will change their behavior."

The April 8 clinic will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at UBMD ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute. Walk-ins are welcome. For any eclipse eye injuries, call 716-881-7900.

You can watch the full segment from Monday in the video player above.