Thousands across the UK were captivated by Wednesday’s solar eclipse, an event that inspired widespread excitement and curiosity. However, eye health professionals are cautioning against underestimating the dangers of observing the eclipse without proper eye protection. Nkosi Yearwood, an optometrist and council member for Wales at The College of Optometrists, emphasises the risks: “People often forget that the sun emits more than just visible light; ultraviolet and infrared rays are also part of the spectrum and can be harmful to our eyes.”
Yearwood further explains that even if the sun appears mostly obscured-for example, with 90% coverage during an eclipse-the remaining 10% still emits a substantial amount of energy. “Because the sun dims during the eclipse, many mistakenly believe it is safe to look at, but staring directly even at a largely covered sun poses risks.”
We consulted with optometry experts about how observing a solar eclipse without certified filters can affect eyesight, the symptoms to watch for, and when to seek professional advice.
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Patrick Laidlaw, an optometrist at Optegra Eye Clinic Sheffield, describes the potential damage: “Looking directly at a solar eclipse can harm the back of the eye, potentially causing retinopathy. Prolonged exposure might lead to loss of central vision.”
This damage involves the macula, the area at the back of the eye responsible for central vision, which contains many photoreceptors. Intense light exposure can cause toxicity, essentially ‘burning’ this sensitive area. Yearwood recalls that during the previous eclipse in the 1990s, approximately 70 people in the UK sought treatment for solar retinopathy, with around 40% of them having looked at the eclipse for less than a minute.
Symptoms of eye damage may not be immediately apparent, often developing hours or even days after exposure. Yearwood notes that since the retina lacks pain receptors, damage can occur without any immediate discomfort. He advises vigilance for symptoms including blurred vision, distortion, dark spots, or changes in colour perception.
“If you notice any of these signs or feel something is unusual with your vision, it is important to consult an optometrist promptly,” he stresses. Laidlaw adds that severe light sensitivity and decreased vision are also warning signs to watch for.
During eye examinations, optometrists specifically assess the macular region for changes. Damage in this area commonly appears as a yellowish spot on the retina. While there is no direct treatment for solar retinopathy, the condition often heals on its own, similar to how sunburn recovers over time. However, recovery duration and the chances of regaining full vision depend on the extent and length of exposure.
Yearwood advises: “If you believe you have stared at the eclipse for too long and are concerned about your eyesight, promptly visit your local opticians for a thorough evaluation.”