As millions prepare to witness the upcoming solar eclipse, experts are issuing a critical warning: do not use eclipse glasses from previous viewings, particularly those dating back to 1999. Decades-old safety equipment may have degraded over time, compromising their ability to protect viewers' eyes from permanent damage and vision loss.
Dr. Greg Brown, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, noted that the film in older solar eclipse glasses can deteriorate. He recommends using only glasses manufactured within the last decade that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.
Mohamed Elalfy, a consultant ophthalmologist and president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, emphasized that the retina lacks pain receptors, meaning damage may not be felt as it occurs. Symptoms such as blurred vision, central blind spots, distorted vision, reduced color perception, and increased light sensitivity can manifest hours later. While some vision may recover, permanent impairment is a risk.
Kyla Black, Boots Opticians Director of Optical Practice, advised double-checking new eclipse glasses for any damage before use. Older pairs are particularly susceptible to scratches or scuffs from storage. A simple test involves holding the glasses up to a bright light; no light should be visible if the protection is intact. If glasses are old or their condition is uncertain, obtaining new ones is the safest course of action. Dark sunglasses, even in multiple layers, are insufficient for safe eclipse viewing.
For those without certified eclipse glasses, indirect viewing methods are recommended. Standing under a leafy tree can project multiple images of the sun onto the ground, which will gradually take on a crescent shape as the eclipse progresses. Alternatively, a kitchen colander or a pinhole camera made from a cardboard box can be used to project a safe image of the sun.
The eclipse is set to begin shortly after 6:00 PM BST on Wednesday, with peak obscuration occurring about an hour later. While the UK will not experience totality, parts of the country will see up to 96% of the sun obscured, making it the most significant solar event in over 26 years. The best viewing location in the UK is expected to be Bishop Rock in the Isles of Scilly. For those outside the UK, totality will be visible from Northern Spain, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of the Atlantic Ocean.