- Solar eclipse glasses are largely sold out across high street and online stores ahead of 12 August, when the Moon will cover over 90 per cent of the Sun above the UK.
- Health experts have issued urgent warnings against using standard sunglasses, counterfeit glasses, or unsafe DIY filters, which fail to block harmful infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
- Consultant ophthalmologists warn that looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent retina damage, with symptoms appearing hours later as the retina lacks pain receptors.
- Only ISO 12312-2 certified glasses offer safe direct protection, while safe alternatives include watching live broadcasts or indirectly projecting the eclipse using items like a colander.
- In addition to the partial solar eclipse, stargazers can also witness the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks on the night of 12-13 August.
IN FULL
