Hospitals
Training
Courses
Training Plan
Training
Col·labora

On August 12, one of the most remarkable astronomical events of recent years will take place. The darkness created by the eclipse may give a false sense of safety, yet solar radiation continues to reach the eye during the partial phases. Throughout the eclipse, therefore, looking directly at the sun without protection can cause retinal damage and, because the retina has no pain receptors, the injury may occur without causing any immediate discomfort. In fact, symptoms may appear hours later, manifesting as blurred vision or a dark spot in the center of the visual field. Given these risks, prevention is crucial. Pere Romero, head of the RETIPROGRAM Ophthalmology Group at IRB CatSud and chief of the Ophthalmology Department at Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, highlights the following recommendations to avoid endangering our eyesight:

  1. Use only certified eclipse glasses They must indicate ISO 12312‑2 compliance, CE marking, the manufacturer, and instructions for use.
  2. Inspect the filters before wearing them Do not use them if they are scratched, punctured, torn, or deteriorated.
  3. Avoid improvised solutions Sunglasses, X‑ray films, smoked glass, or other homemade filters do not protect the retina.
  4. Do not combine eclipse glasses with optical instruments Binoculars, telescopes, and cameras require specific solar filters installed correctly. Eclipse glasses alone are not sufficient.
  5. Keep the glasses on during all partial phases They may only be removed during totality, within the path of totality, and only when the sun is completely obscured. At the first point of returning light, they must be put back on. When in doubt, it is safer to always keep them on.

CHILDREN: CONSTANT SUPERVISION

It is essential to ensure that they always look through the filter and do not attempt to observe the sun above or around the edges of the glasses. They should also not walk around while wearing them.

When should you consult a specialist?

After the eclipse, if blurred vision, image distortion, or a fixed spot in the center of the visual field appears, an ophthalmological assessment is required. It should be noted that symptoms may emerge between two and six hours after exposure. In any case, to prevent injury, it is essential to keep the recommended precautions in mind in order to enjoy this phenomenon safely. In this regard, IRB CatSud will distribute certified eclipse glasses among its staff so that everyone can experience the event safely. Details on how these glasses will be provided will be communicated internally.