Blue Fin Vision® Featured in LADbible: Solar Eclipse Eye Damage and Social Media Misinformation
- Posted
- Medically Reviewed by: Mr Mfazo Hove, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 18, 2026
- Last Updated: August 18, 2026
TL;DR: Mr Mfazo Hove, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and founder of Blue Fin Vision®, has been quoted in two LADbible reports examining the risks of looking directly at a solar eclipse. He warns that the absence of immediate symptoms does not mean the eyes have escaped damage and advises anyone experiencing a new blind spot, blurred or distorted vision, light sensitivity or changes in colour perception to seek professional assessment.
The Danger of Social Media Misinformation
The first LADbible article followed a widely viewed social media video in which a woman appeared to look directly at the solar eclipse without protective glasses. She claimed that she had not been blinded and suggested that warnings about certified eclipse glasses were part of a money-making scheme.
Mr Hove challenged the dangerous impression that looking at the Sun without protection can be harmless:
“Raw-dogging the eclipse by looking directly at the Sun without proper protection is one of the worst things you can do for your eyes.”
The absence of pain or an immediate change in sight should not be taken as evidence that no injury has occurred. Solar retinopathy damages the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye, which has no pain receptors. This means retinal injury can occur without the person feeling it at the time.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Mr Hove told LADbible that anyone who looked at the eclipse without certified eye protection should pay close attention to subsequent changes in their vision:
“If someone has been looking at the eclipse without certified eclipse glasses and subsequently notices a new blind spot, blurred or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light or colours looking different, they shouldn’t simply wait for it to disappear.
“They should have their eyes assessed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.”
These symptoms may indicate injury to the retina and warrant professional examination. Waiting to see whether they resolve could delay the assessment of potentially lasting damage.
A Real-World Account of Lasting Problems
A second LADbible report explored the experience of a man who said he temporarily lost his sight after watching a previous eclipse without protective glasses.
Although his vision returned following assessment and treatment, he told the publication that he continued to experience floaters and sensitivity to light years later. The account illustrates why an apparently temporary visual disturbance should not be dismissed and why anecdotal claims of looking at an eclipse “without consequences” can create false reassurance.
The report repeated Mr Hove’s warning about looking directly at the Sun, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based eye safety advice when misleading videos can reach large audiences online.
Why Immediate Reassurance Can Be Misleading
Solar damage does not always cause instant or painful symptoms. A person may initially believe that their sight is unaffected, only to notice a central blind spot, visual distortion, blurred vision or changes in colour perception later.
This is why the outcome experienced by one social media user cannot establish that the same behaviour is safe for somebody else. The safest approach is prevention through certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods, followed by prompt assessment if any visual change develops.
Mr Hove previously explained safe viewing methods and the risks of solar retinopathy in Blue Fin Vision®’s coverage of his interview with Tyla.
Read the Full Coverage
LADbible: Eye experts issue ‘worst’ warning after ‘rawdogging’ eclipse highlights hibernating danger, published 13 August 2026.
LADbible: Man who went temporarily blind looking directly at solar eclipse left with painful lasting effect, published 14 August 2026.
Concerned About Your Vision?
If you notice a new blind spot, blurred or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, altered colour perception or any other change in your sight after looking at the Sun, seek prompt advice from an optometrist, ophthalmologist or eye-casualty service. NHS 111 can advise you if you are unsure where to obtain urgent help.
For non-urgent concerns, the Blue Fin Vision® team invites you to book a consultation at our consultant-led clinics across London, Hertfordshire and Essex.
