Daily Record
·Aug 2026
Solar eclipse health tips if you looked directly at the sun amid eye warnings
Optometrists warn that looking directly at a partial solar eclipse, even briefly, can damage the retina and macula, potentially causing solar retinopathy, blurred or distorted vision, dark spots, colour-vision changes, light sensitivity and permanent central vision loss. Symptoms may be delayed for hours or days because the retina has no pain receptors. Anyone experiencing warning signs should seek prompt assessment from an optometrist. There is no specific treatment, although many cases heal over time; prolonged exposure increases the risk of lasting damage.