Specialists have warned Scots against purchasing 'dangerous' solar eclipse glasses that do not meet safety requirements. To view the phenomenon safely, it is advised to invest in correctly approved eyewear to avoid causing damage.
Eclipse timing and visibility
On Wednesday, August 12, more than 90 percent of the sun will be blocked by the moon between 6:17pm and 8:06pm. This marks the most visible display since the total eclipse in 1999, and excitement is understandably high. Glasses designed to view the celestial event have largely sold out, although some may still be available online.
Safety certification and risks
Anyone viewing the upcoming display will need to ensure they have purchased ISO 12312-2 certified glasses. This ensures they feature the correct filters designed to protect human eyes from getting damaged by staring at the sun for too long. Specialists have stressed that it is important to ensure any glasses purchased boast this code. Without the correct filters, sufficient radiation can reach the retina, causing permanent damage that only becomes noticeable after a few hours.
The warning comes after the Royal College of Ophthalmologists issued the alert on August 10. Other home viewing methods that are also not safe include binoculars, telescopes or cameras, unless they feature professionally fitted solar filters placed in front of the lens. Specialists further stressed that anyone who notices a change in their vision after looking at the sun should seek prompt advice from an eye-care professional, as some symptoms don't often show up until a few hours after damage has already occurred.
Historical context and expert advice
The warning follows a national survey by the college that found 70 percent of patients had eclipse-related visual loss following the event in 1999. Most cases were a result of directly viewing the eclipse without appropriate eye protection. College President Mohamed Elalfy, a consultant ophthalmologist, said: "The safest way to enjoy the eclipse is to observe it indirectly, such as by watching a live broadcast."
He added: "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."
Safe viewing methods and regional forecasts
Other methods that can be used to indirectly view the eclipse safely include 'pinhole projection', which involves using a pin to make a tiny hole in the middle of a piece of card. When facing with your back to the sun, this should project an image of the sun turning into a crescent when placed in front of another piece of card.
Across Scotland, the Met Office has confirmed that the West of Scotland will have the best visibility of the solar eclipse. Those living on the Western Isles and along the west coast, including Glasgow, are predicted to see the most coverage in the country with between 92 per cent to 94 per cent of the sun obscured. Those in Inverness are expected to see around 90.74 per cent coverage of the sun while Edinburgh locals will see 90.71 per cent of the sun hidden. Parts of Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Shetland may see around 88 to 90 percent coverage.
