The UK is set to witness its most complete solar eclipse since 1999 this evening, with the sun almost 90% obscured by the moon. It is the final occasion until 2081 when the sun will be so heavily covered, and millions across Britain and Europe are expected to turn out to see it.
The eclipse will take place between 6:17pm and 8:06pm today as the sun, moon and Earth align.
Experts warn of permanent eye damage
Experts are urging Brits to exercise caution, warning that staring directly at the eclipse can seriously harm eyesight, and the damage may not become apparent until it is too late.
Khuram Sarwar, a dispensing optician at Feel Good Contacts, cautions that viewing the eclipse without proper protection can cause "serious and permanent damage" to your sight. He said: "Even when most of the sun appears to be covered, the remaining sunlight is still intense enough to harm the retina."
How to safely view the eclipse
The safest way to observe the eclipse is through certified solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. This internationally recognised standard covers filters designed for direct observation of the sun, ensuring that harmful ultraviolet, infrared and visible light are adequately blocked to safeguard vision.
Khuram said: "For those who don't have access to eclipse glasses, indirect viewing methods such as a simple pinhole projector are a much safer alternative. These allow you to observe the eclipse without looking directly at the sun."
Can I wear ordinary sunglasses?
Regardless of how dark your lenses are, standard sunglasses will not protect your eyes from the sun. The same applies to contact lenses, even those with UV-blocking properties.
Khuram said: "Contact lens wearers often ask whether their lenses provide any protection during an eclipse, but they don't. Even those with UV-blocking properties aren't designed to protect the eyes from the intense solar radiation produced by direct sun viewing."
Camera and magnifying optics dangers
Using a camera to observe the eclipse does not offer a safe barrier. Khuram explained: "People should also avoid looking at the eclipse through cameras, binoculars or telescopes unless they are fitted with specialised solar filters. Looking through magnifying optics without the correct protection can concentrate the sun's light and cause severe eye injuries in a matter of seconds."
The threat to eyesight is considerable. According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, even a momentary exposure to light can cause permanent damage. College President Mohamed Elalfy explained: "Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the retina, potentially damaging the cells responsible for sharp central vision. Crucially, the retina has no pain receptors, so people will not feel the damage as it happens."
Symptoms may only become apparent several hours later and can include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and increased sensitivity to light. While some people recover over weeks or months, others can be left with permanent visual impairment.
