The eclipse will occur this evening (Image: Getty)
The UK will see its fullest solar eclipse since 1999 tonight. It is the last time the sun will be almost 90% blocked by the moon until 2081, and millions of people across the UK and Europe are expected to be out in force to watch the phenomenon.
The eclipse will occur between 6:17 pm and 8:06pm today as the sun, moon, and earth align.
If you’re desperate to catch a glimpse of this rare sight, there are some things to know. As tempting as it might be, experts are urging Brits to use caution as staring at the eclipse can seriously damage your eyesight — and you might not realise until it’s too late.
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.”
How to safely view the eclipse
The best way to view the eclipse is through certified solar viewing glasses which meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. This is the international standard for filters meant for directly observing the sun. It ensures that the dangerous ultraviolet, infrared and visible light are properly blocked to protect your eyesight.
Khuram said: “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.”
Check out our guide on how to build your own pinhole projector.
Pinhole projectors are a safe way to view the eclipse (Image: Getty)
Can I wear ordinary sunglasses to view the eclipse?
No matter how darkly tinted your glasses are, they will not protect your eyes from the sun. The same is true for contact lenses, even if they have UV-blocking properties.
Khuram said: “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.
“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.”
Can I see the eclipse through my phone camera?
While you might think that using a camera to view the eclipse proverbs a safe barrier, this is not true. 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.”
Solar eclipses are very rare (Image: Getty)
What is the danger?
The risk to your eyesight is huge with an eclipse. According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, even a brief exposure to the light 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 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.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
