Eye Protection is Crucial as the Total Solar Eclipse Approaches
Spain is set to witness a spectacular total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. In light of this event, Spain’s Organization of Consumers and Users (Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios, OCU) has issued a serious warning to the public, emphasizing that protecting your eyes during the observation is the top priority. Staring directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe and irreversible eye damage, such as retinal burns.
The OCU points out that naked-eye viewing is only safe during the brief moment of “totality,” when the sun is completely obscured by the moon (a phase typically lasting no more than a minute or so). During all other phases of the eclipse, including the partial and recovery stages, you must wear specialized protective gear.
How to Choose Compliant Viewing Glasses
To ensure safe viewing, choosing the right protective equipment is essential. The OCU specifies that the public should purchase glasses designed specifically for solar observation, verifying the following key criteria:
- CE Mark: The glasses must have a clear “CE” mark, indicating that the product complies with EU regulations for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and can effectively block intense solar radiation.
- International Standard: The product should be clearly marked as compliant with the EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standard, which is the international safety standard for filters for direct observation of the sun.
- Manufacturer Information: The packaging or product should include the manufacturer’s identity and their contact address within the European Union. This not only demonstrates compliance but also provides a means for consumers to trace the product and seek recourse if issues arise.
Proper Use and Inspection
Even with compliant glasses, using them correctly is equally critical. The OCU’s instructions emphasize that you must continuously wear the protective glasses at all times when the sun is not 100% completely blocked. As soon as totality ends and even a sliver of sunlight reappears, you must immediately put the glasses back on.
Furthermore, before each use, you should carefully inspect the lenses for any scratches, punctures, or physical damage. Any defective glasses should be discarded immediately, as their protective capability may be compromised.
Warning! These Makeshift Methods are Extremely Dangerous
The OCU specifically warns the public not to use any homemade or unsuitable items as substitutes for proper eclipse glasses. The following methods have been proven to be ineffective and extremely dangerous:
- Regular sunglasses (no matter how dark)
- X-ray films
- Smoked glass
- Compact discs (CDs/DVDs)
- Any other DIY filters
These items cannot filter out the harmful infrared and ultraviolet radiation that damages the eyes, and using them to view the sun poses a severe safety risk.
Comprehensive Sun Protection Advice
In addition to protecting your eyes, the OCU also recommends that observers take comprehensive sun protection measures, as the overall solar radiation remains strong during the eclipse. It is advisable to use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a cap, and wear clothing that covers the skin to protect it from UV damage when outdoors.
