ULLIN, Ill. — The United States will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years on April 8; the last being on Aug. 21, 2017. The Southern 7 Health Department reminds the public that, while viewing an eclipse is a sight to behold, viewers should take precautions to protect their vision and enjoy it safely.

A news release from Southern 7 Health Department said, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, watching a solar eclipse without protection, even for a short time, can seriously damage eyes and cause blindness. Except during the brief total phase of the eclipse, or totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s surface, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.