August 12 Eclipse, Doctors’ Warning: Regular Sunglasses Do Not Protect the Eyes

The solar eclipse that will occur on August 12 is expected to be a special celestial event, but watching it without appropriate protective measures may temporarily or permanently damage eyesight.

Doctors explain that the intensity of the Sun’s rays does not decrease during an eclipse. For this reason, regular sunglasses are not sufficient to protect the eyes.

Looking directly at the Sun without protection can lead to solar retinopathy, also known as “eclipse blindness,” a serious injury to the retina.

This injury may be reversible or permanent and, since it is not accompanied by pain, the first signs may be noticed only after several hours or even several days.

Experts warn that tinted glass, X-ray film, improvised filters, and regular sunglasses do not provide safety either.

To view the eclipse safely, certified glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 standard must be used. They should be put on before looking toward the Sun and worn throughout the entire observation.

Any discomfort after the eclipse, including blurred vision or other visual problems, requires immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist. Children and teenagers are considered particularly at risk, as their eyes are more sensitive.

Parents are advised to supervise children at all times and check whether they are using the special glasses. Older people, individuals with eye diseases, and those who have undergone eye surgery are also at greater risk.