Experts warn against looking directly at eclipse

For the first time in more than 15 years, a significant solar eclipse will darken the doorsteps of Ireland.

While Friday’s astronomical event will no doubt draw hundreds of thousands of sky gazing spectators, experts are warning against looking at the eclipse directly without appropriate eye protection.

“Two things can happen if you look directly at an eclipse. Because of the extreme exposure to light you can get edema, a swelling in your retina that causes burred vision. That can heal in time, but it could take up to a year,” said Lynda McGivney-Nolan from the Association of Optometrists Ireland.