Think you can look at the eclipse for a few seconds without eye protection and be fine?
Don't risk it.
Looking at the solar eclipse on Monday without protective glasses can cause a permanent blurry spot in the center of your field of vision, warns Dr. Thomas Clinch, an ophthalmologist in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
He showed a simulated image of the damage. Everything looks clear, with the exception of what's directly in front of you.
"It’d be similar to what you see with macular degeneration," Clinch said.
"I don’t want to see people harm their eyes by thinking they can get away with a short exposure," he continued.
Eye damage from looking straight at the sun can surface within a day. While your eyes are being damaged, you likely won't feel any pain. And by the time you realize what you did, it's too late.
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Once the damage is done, only time can help eyes heal.
Children are at the most risk for eye damage. Their pupils are bigger, which means more harmful sunlight can get in.
To keep yourself and your family safe, use certified eclipse glasses. Here's information on what you need.
