"Protect Your Eyes: The Dangers of Directly Viewing a Solar Eclipse Without Proper Protection"

An optometrist warns against looking directly at the upcoming solar eclipse without proper eye protection, as even a split second of exposure to the solar radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Solar retinopathy, also known as "eclipse blindness," can lead to symptoms such as loss of central vision, altered color vision, and distorted vision. The damage may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time, with no guarantee of recovery. To safely view the eclipse, it is crucial to wear eye protection that meets the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements. Alternatively, watching videos or viewing images of the eclipse is recommended.