- Medically Reviewed by: Mr Mfazo Hove, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 12, 2026
- Last Updated: August 18, 2026
TL;DR: Mr Mfazo Hove, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and founder of Blue Fin Vision®, was featured in two Tyla articles before and after the UK solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. His advice explained why ordinary sunglasses cannot protect the eyes during an eclipse, how to view one safely and which symptoms may indicate solar retinopathy, including blurred vision, a central blind spot and increased sensitivity to light.
Eye Safety Before and After the Eclipse
Ahead of the partial solar eclipse, Mr Hove spoke exclusively to Tyla about the risks of looking directly at the Sun. His advice covered safe viewing methods, the limitations of ordinary sunglasses, solar retinopathy and how parents could help children enjoy the event safely.
Tyla subsequently published a follow-up article explaining the symptoms to watch for after the eclipse and when to seek urgent assessment. The second feature repeated Mr Hove’s warning that even a narrow crescent of uncovered Sun can damage the retina.
Why Ordinary Sunglasses Are Not Enough
Mr Hove explained that eclipse glasses are not simply darker versions of everyday sunglasses. They are specifically designed to filter the intense light produced by the Sun.
Ordinary sunglasses reduce everyday glare but allow far too much light through to make direct solar viewing safe. Wearing two pairs does not provide adequate protection, nor do homemade alternatives such as smoked glass, camera film or tinted plastic.
Mr Hove told Tyla:
“The Sun does not become safe to look at just because most of it is covered. Even a very thin crescent is bright enough to damage your eyes.”
Because viewers in the UK experienced a partial eclipse rather than totality, part of the Sun remained visible throughout. There was therefore no point at which looking directly at it without suitable protection became safe.
How to View an Eclipse Safely
For direct viewing, Mr Hove advised using genuine eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard and come from a reputable supplier.
The glasses should be checked for scratches, tears, punctures or other damage before use. They should be put on before looking towards the Sun and removed only after turning away.
Indirect methods avoid looking towards the Sun completely. These include a pinhole projector, a colander used to project crescent-shaped images onto the ground or an official livestream.
Solar Retinopathy Can Be Painless
Solar retinopathy is damage to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye. When someone looks directly at the Sun, the eye focuses intense light onto the central retina, where it can injure photoreceptors and surrounding retinal tissue.
The central retina supports detailed tasks such as reading, driving and recognising faces. Damage in this area may therefore affect the part of the vision a person relies on most.
A particularly concerning feature of solar retinopathy is that it is usually painless. The retina has no pain receptors, so someone may not realise that damage is occurring while looking at the eclipse. Symptoms can also emerge later rather than appearing immediately.
Symptoms After a Solar Eclipse
Tyla’s follow-up coverage advised readers to be alert for symptoms that could indicate damage after viewing the eclipse. These include:
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- A grey, dark or yellow patch in the centre of the sight.
- A central blind spot.
- Straight lines appearing bent or wavy.
- Colours appearing different.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Any sudden or unexplained change in vision.
Some people experience improvement over the following weeks or months. More serious retinal damage, however, can leave a lasting blind spot or reduction in central vision. There is no proven treatment that can reverse established solar retinal damage, which is why prevention and prompt assessment matter.
What to Do if Symptoms Develop
Anyone who notices a visual change after looking at the Sun should stop viewing it immediately and should not look again to “test” their eyes.
Seek urgent advice from an optometrist, ophthalmologist or eye-casualty service. An optometrist can examine the eyes, perform retinal imaging where appropriate and refer the patient to a hospital eye service if further assessment is required.
NHS 111 can direct patients to the appropriate urgent service when they are unsure where to go. Sudden or severe loss of vision requires emergency medical assessment, and anyone whose sight has been affected should not drive themselves.
The absence of pain should not be taken as reassurance that the retina is unharmed.
Advice for Parents
Mr Hove urged parents to supervise children closely rather than simply handing them eclipse glasses. Children may be tempted to lift the glasses or look over the top, even after receiving instructions.
An adult should check that the glasses are undamaged, make sure they fit properly and demonstrate how to use them. If a child is too young to follow the instructions reliably, an indirect method or livestream provides a safer way to experience the event.
Read the Full Coverage
Concerned About Your Vision After the Eclipse?
If you notice blurred or distorted vision, a central blind spot, increased sensitivity to light or any other change in your sight after looking at the Sun, seek urgent professional advice.
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.
