Surya Grahan Myths and Facts

Tuesday 22nd July 2009 HCFI: Directly looking at the sun during Surya graham can damage the eyes permanently said Dr KK Aggarwal President Heart Care Foundation of India and BSNL Dil ka darbar.

Normally the sun has three rays, visible, infra red and ultra violet. The normal visibly rays constrict the pupil and does not allow the person to be able to watch the sun for long. During grahan the visible rays are cut off and the persons papillary defense mechanism is thus over allowing the eyes to focus on the sun for a longer period and allowing the infra red and ultra violet rays to penetrate the eyes deeper and for longer period causing retina burn.

The damage to the eyes may not be seen immediately but is often noticed after 1-2 days and may include diminished vision, which may only improve partially after 5-6 months.

One should nor see the sun though gas, plastic, car screen or through the X ray plate. The  only way is to see it though the pin hole refection method or in the water. The good quality infra red and UV light glasses are also ok. It’s a myth that women exposed to grahan end up with abnormal babies or one should not eat food exposed to the grahan.