- Ophthalmologists and optometrists from the Ribera healthcare group remind us that conventional sunglasses, X-rays, or homemade filters do not protect against eye damage caused by direct observation of the sun.
- A black spot in the center of your vision, blurred vision, or distortion of straight lines are some of the warning signs that require medical evaluation.
With an eye on the great solar eclipse scheduled for August 12, 2026, which will be visible from much of Spain, specialists in Ophthalmology and Optometry from the healthcare group Ribera They emphasize the importance of taking extra precautions to enjoy this astronomical phenomenon without risking eye health. Experts warn that looking directly at the sun without proper protection, even for just a few seconds, can cause permanent retinal damage.
Solar retinopathy, also known as solar maculopathy, is a lesion that affects the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision and fine details. The damage occurs because sunlight is concentrated on the eye tissues, causing alterations in the cells responsible for vision. Furthermore, since the retina lacks pain receptors, the person does not perceive the damage occurring while looking at the sun. In this context, the ophthalmologist from Ribera PovisaSara García points out that "the lens acts like a magnifying glass that concentrates sunlight on the retina," which explains how easily the injury can occur.
Risk of eye damage throughout the eclipse
Dr. César Azrak, head of the Ophthalmology Service of the Department of Health of VinalopoHe explains that “many people believe the risk disappears when the moon partially covers the sun, but this is not the case. Even after the eclipse has progressed, radiation continues to reach the retina and can cause significant damage.” The specialist reminds us that symptoms do not always appear immediately and can manifest hours later or even the day after exposure.
Similarly, Dr. Fabio Vicente Zavarse Fadul, head of the Ophthalmology Service of Torrejón University HospitalHe points out that “eclipses are especially deceptive because the retina can be damaged while we continue looking without noticing any discomfort.” To explain it simply, he compares the phenomenon to a magnifying glass, concentrating sunlight onto a sheet of paper: “All the energy is concentrated on a very small point and can damage it. In the eye, that point is the macula.”
Seconds that can leave lasting effects
Experts agree that there is no safe minimum viewing time for an eclipse without protection. Damage can occur after very brief exposures, and there are documented cases after looking at the sun for less than a minute. In this regard, Dr. Sara García points out that "a few seconds can be enough to cause injury," especially if the gaze is held for extended periods.
Adrián Tobío, an optometrist at the Ribera Assistens medical center, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that “macular damage can occur after very short exposures, so there is no safe observation period without protection.” He also points out that symptoms often appear late, by which time many people have already forgotten or downplayed the exposure.
Sunglasses or "homemade experiments" won't work
One of the key messages experts want to convey before the upcoming eclipse is that conventional sunglasses, no matter how dark, do not offer adequate protection for looking directly at the sun. Smoked glass, old X-rays, CDs, photographic film, and other homemade methods frequently shared on social media are also unsafe.
The only safe option, they point out, is certified solar observation glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2, as well as certified solar filters for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras, always placed on the front of the lens. As Sara García reminds us, “all homemade methods allow a dangerous amount of radiation to reach the retina.”
Experts also recommend indirect observation methods, such as pinhole projection – an optical and photographic principle that uses a tiny hole (called a pinhole) to let light through and project an image onto the opposite wall – or using a camera obscura – an optical device that projects an external image onto an interior surface, especially when children are involved.
Increased risk with mobile phones, binoculars, and cameras
Another common mistake, according to ophthalmology and optometry specialists at the Ribera group, is thinking that using technological devices eliminates the risk. They explain that looking at a photograph or video of the eclipse on a mobile phone screen is not dangerous, but observing the sun through optical viewers, telescopes, or binoculars without specific filters is. These devices concentrate the light even more and significantly increase the risk of eye injury.
They also remind us that solar filters are necessary to protect the sensors of cameras and mobile phones when trying to photograph the eclipse.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
After observing an eclipse, specialists recommend consulting a healthcare professional if any of the characteristic symptoms of solar retinopathy appear. These include blurred vision, the appearance of a black spot or dark area in the center of vision, distortion of straight lines, altered color perception, or decreased visual acuity.
Dr. César Azrak emphasizes that “the absence of pain does not mean there is no injury.” Indeed, one of the most dangerous characteristics of this type of eye damage is that it can go unnoticed until visual problems begin.”
If you experience any alarming symptoms, the ophthalmologists at the Ribera group recommend seeking medical evaluation as soon as possible.
In anticipation of the eclipse on August 12, experts are encouraging the public to enjoy this unique astronomical event, but always adhering to eye safety recommendations. "An eclipse can be an unforgettable experience, but no photograph or a few seconds of observation is worth risking your vision for life," they conclude.
