how long does it take to go blind from a solar eclipse
How long does it take to go blind from a solar eclipse?
Answer:
Looking directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause serious eye damage or even blindness. The sun emits strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can burn the retinas of your eyes if you stare at it during an eclipse. The damage from looking at the sun during an eclipse can be immediate or it may not cause symptoms until hours later.
It only takes a few seconds of looking directly at the sun during an eclipse for retinal damage to occur. Even though the sun may be covered by the moon during an eclipse, the harmful UV rays can still reach your eyes and cause irreversible harm.
To safely view a solar eclipse, it is essential to wear special eclipse glasses or use other indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors. Regular sunglasses, camera filters, or smoked glass are not adequate for safely viewing a solar eclipse. Always prioritize eye safety during solar events to avoid the risk of permanent eye damage.