The UK will see its fullest solar eclipse since 1999 this evening, with the sun almost 90% blocked by the moon. The eclipse will occur between 6:17 pm and 8:06 pm as the sun, moon, and earth align. It is the last time the sun will be so heavily obscured until 2081.
Expert warns of permanent eye damage
Khuram Sarwar, a dispensing optician at Feel Good Contacts, warns that looking at the eclipse unprepared 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.”
The best way to view the eclipse is through certified solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, which blocks dangerous ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light.
Safe alternatives to eclipse glasses
For those without eclipse glasses, Khuram recommends indirect viewing methods: “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.”
Ordinary sunglasses, no matter how darkly tinted, will not protect your eyes. 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.”
Risks of cameras and magnifying optics
Using cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without specialised solar filters is also dangerous. 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.”
According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, even brief exposure can cause lasting 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 include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception, and increased sensitivity to light. While some recover over weeks or months, others may face permanent visual impairment.
