Eye-health experts and astronomical societies are warning the public to use certified protection during the solar eclipse on Wednesday, Aug. 12 [1].
Looking directly at the sun without proper equipment can cause permanent retinal damage [5]. Because millions of people across 26 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. will be able to view the event [2], health officials are emphasizing the need for safety protocols to prevent widespread eye injuries.
Ophthalmologists and organizations such as the American Astronomical Society said that certified solar-filter glasses are the only safe way to view the sun directly [1]. These glasses must meet the ISO 12312-2 certification standard to ensure they block the harmful radiation that causes solar retinopathy [4].
For those without certified eyewear, experts said indirect viewing methods are a safe alternative [1]. These methods include using a pinhole projector to cast an image of the sun onto a separate surface—rather than looking at the sun itself—to observe the eclipse's progress [3].
While the eclipse will be visible across a large portion of the U.S., it will also be seen in parts of Canada and Mexico [2]. Reports on the nature of the eclipse in the U.S. vary between a partial and total event [2], but safety requirements remain the same regardless of the eclipse type.
Experts said that standard sunglasses, no matter how dark the lenses, do not provide sufficient protection [3]. Using damaged or scratched filters can also allow dangerous levels of light to reach the eye, potentially leading to permanent vision loss [5].
“Looking directly at the sun without proper equipment can cause permanent retinal damage”
The wide geographic reach of this event increases the risk of mass ocular injuries if the public relies on uncertified equipment. By emphasizing the ISO 12312-2 standard, health experts are attempting to mitigate the danger posed by counterfeit or substandard solar filters often sold during high-profile astronomical events.
