While eclipses are certainly fun and exciting occasions, they can be extremely dangerous if safety precautions are not taken, especially if people look directly at them
Without the proper protection, looking at an eclipse can be incredibly dangerous.
While it may not seem like a serious problem, what you are essentially doing is staring directly at the sun for an extended period of time, which can lead to temporary blindless and sometimes permanent retina damage.
For one man, this terrifying aspect of the solar phenomena became a reality, when 27 years ago on 11 August 1999 he looked directly at an eclipse in the UK permanently damaging his eyes to this day. Peter Smith, from Taunton, Somerset, detailed the lengths of his suffering , adding that even though he wore a makeshift protective device his eyesight has still been permanently impacted.
Speaking to the BBC, Peter explained that he had borrowed a welder’s mask in order to view the extra-terrestrial event, thinking that this would have the same impact as so-called ‘eclipse glasses’ do.
However, after looking at event for a minute or so, the unlucky bloke noticed a serious problem. He started suffering terrible, regular headaches and blurry vision, even feeling the need to seek medical help for his unpleasant symptoms.
The diagnosis was permanent retinal damage, and the shocking part is that Peter still feels the side-effects to this very day.
He told the BBC: “Even now there is a residual impact. When I’m tired sometimes a flashing dot might come back, and it’s not nice when it does. If you’re going to go and watch it, make sure that everything you’ve got is correct.”
Thankfully, Peter was willing to offer some advice to others hoping to watch the eclipse without damaging their eyes. He says it all starts with the right form of retinal protection.
He explained: ““Make sure it’s got the right protection and filters to stop any damage because any damage you get, it’ll never heal. It’s not like cutting your hand.”
Do not look directly at the Sun during an eclipse, even through ordinary sunglasses, binoculars, cameras or telescopes. Unsafe viewing can burn the retina without causing immediate pain, with symptoms including blurred or distorted vision, flashing lights, light sensitivity or a dark spot appearing hours later.
If you notice any change in your sight, contact an optometrist or NHS 111 urgently. Go to A&E or call 999 if you suddenly lose your sight or experience severe eye pain.