Why do you need glasses for the solar eclipse? Eye doctors explain why sunglasses alone are NOT safe

THIS Wednesday, millions of Britons will witness the most dramatic solar eclipse in almost three decades. More than 90 per cent of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on August 12 – the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999. More than 90 per cent of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on August 12 Credit: Getty Credit: Unknown But, looking directly at the Sun can severely damage your eyes – even during an eclipse. Even using standard sunglasses, no matter how dark, could also leave you with permanently damaged eyes, experts caution. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Equally, you should never look at the Sun through binoculars, a telescope or any other direct method. Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported around 70 cases of people experiencing vision problems after watching the eclipse. READ MORE ON THE SOLAR ECLIPSE Around 40 per cent had looked at it for less than a minute. Mohamed Elalfy, a consultant ophthalmologist and president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: “The safest way to enjoy the eclipse is to observe it indirectly, such as by watching a live broadcast. “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. Most read in Health “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.” Kyla Black, Boots Opticians director of optical practice, added: “It’s a common myth that wearing multiple pairs of sunglasses can protect you from any harmful UV light. “This is untrue and should be avoided at all costs as only purpose-built eclipse glasses can allow you to watch an eclipse.” Instead, experts recommend using specially made eclipse glasses bearing the ISO 12312–2 safety standard. They look similar to 3D card glasses people used to get at the cinema, but they have special dark material in them to cut down the Sun’s light by 100,000 times, according to the Royal Astronomical Society. Experts recommend using special eclipse glasses bearing the ISO 12312–2 safety standard Credit: AFP via Getty Images A pinhole viewer can be easily made at home, the Royal Astronomical Society says Credit: The Royal Astronomical Society But, do not use a pair of eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched or punctured, and make sure to purchase them from a reputable retailer to avoid any chance of picking up a fake. Many glasses which bear ISO 12312–2 safety standard, however, have all but sold out online ahead of the event, or carry hefty delivery fees to arrive in time. Alternatively, if you do not have a pair of eclipse glasses, experts insist you can still watch it indirectly without any specialist equipment at all. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), safe options include via a pinhole viewer, which you can easily make at home. Pinholes allow light through them, and can create an image like a lens. All people will need are two pieces of white card. Poke a small hole in one piece of card using a compass or a similar tool. Stand with your back to the Sun. Hold both cards up, with the one with the pinhole closer to the Sun. The light through the pinhole can be projected on to the other piece of card, allowing the eclipse to be viewed safely. You could also view the Sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves, the UKHSA says. Imo Bell, a planetarium astronomer at The Royal Observatory Greenwich added: “If all else fails, you can project the image of the eclipse using a household item like a colander which has lots of holes in. “Point the colander towards the Sun with your back facing it, and in the shadow of the colander you’ll be able to see the eclipse in the holes, which is really cool. “So, it’s important not to miss it, and to be prepared. “You can’t just go out and expect to have a look, because it’s really dangerous for your eyes.” Comment now