On August 12, the Portuguese will have every reason to look up at the sky: a solar eclipse will be visible from north to south across the country, establishing itself as one of the most eagerly awaited astronomical events of recent years. However, fascination must not take precedence over safety: a simple mistake while observing the eclipse can cause permanent damage to the retina.
Even when the sun appears to be almost completely obscured by the moon, the radiation emitted remains intense enough to cause serious and irreversible damage to your eyesight.
To ensure you can enjoy the phenomenon without putting your health at risk, eye care specialists have shared with us some golden rules for safe viewing.
A Practical Guide to Safely Observing the Eclipse
To protect your eyesight, as well as that of your family, strictly follow these recommendations:
- Forget “homemade” solutions
- ISO 12312-2 certification is your only shield
- Inspect your eclipse glasses before using them
- Be careful when putting on and taking off your eclipse glasses
- Be careful with screens and lenses (cameras, telescopes, and cell phones)
- Be extra vigilant with children
Warning signs: when should you see a doctor?
It is crucial to understand that eye damage caused by the sun (solar retinopathy) does not cause immediate pain, since the retina has no pain receptors. Symptoms of damage may take hours or days to appear.
If you choose not to follow the tips described above, or if you accidentally looked at the eclipse without protection while it was occurring, watch for the following warning signs after the eclipse:
- Sudden blurred vision .
- Appearance of a dark spot or a blind spot in the center of the visual field.
- Distorted images or changes in color perception.
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not rub your eyes and seek immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
If you follow all these “rules” and use the right equipment, the August 12 eclipse will be nothing but a moment of scientific wonder that you’ll never forget.
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