The solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August 2026 is set to be one of the most exciting astronomical events visible from the UK in years.

For people across the UK, it offers a rare opportunity to watch the Moon pass across the Sun and see a significant partial eclipse from Britain.

But before looking up, there is one thing everyone needs to know:

Never look directly at the Sun during a partial solar eclipse without proper solar eye protection.

Although much of the Sun will be covered, the remaining visible section is still powerful enough to damage the sensitive tissues at the back of the eye.

At Eye 2 Eye Opticians, protecting long-term vision is at the heart of what we do. Here is our practical guide to enjoying the eclipse safely.

What Time Is the Solar Eclipse in the UK?

The eclipse takes place during the early evening on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

From London, the partial eclipse is expected to:

• Begin at approximately 6.17 pm
• Reach maximum coverage at approximately 7.12 pm
• End at approximately 8.06 pm

Timings will vary slightly depending on where you are in the UK.

Around 90% of the Sun will be covered from London, with even greater coverage in some parts of the British Isles.

Because the Sun will be relatively low in the western sky, you will need a reasonably clear view towards the western horizon.

Can You Look Directly at the Solar Eclipse?

No, not without suitable solar viewing protection.

The 12 August eclipse will remain a partial eclipse throughout the UK.

This means there will be no point during the eclipse in Britain when it is safe to look directly at the Sun with the naked eye.

Even if only a small crescent of sunlight remains visible, it can still cause serious retinal injury.

Why Is Looking at a Solar Eclipse Dangerous?

Your eye works by focusing light onto the retina, a delicate layer of tissue at the back of the eye.

When you stare at the Sun, powerful solar radiation becomes concentrated onto this sensitive tissue.

The resulting injury is known as solar retinopathy.

One of the dangers of solar retinopathy is that you may not immediately realise anything is wrong.

The retina does not contain pain receptors, which means damage can occur without causing pain at the time.

Visual symptoms may only become noticeable later.

What Are the Symptoms of Solar Retinopathy?

Possible symptoms following unsafe exposure to the Sun can include:

• blurred vision
• reduced central vision
• a dark or blind spot in the centre of your sight
• distorted vision
• straight lines appearing bent or wavy
• changes in colour perception
• increased sensitivity to light
• difficulty reading or seeing fine detail

Symptoms may affect one or both eyes.

Some people experience improvement over time, but solar retinal injury can potentially cause permanent changes to vision.

This is why prevention is so important.

7 Ways to Protect Your Eyes During the Solar Eclipse

1. Only Use Proper Solar Eclipse Glasses

Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable for viewing a solar eclipse.

Instead, use purpose-made solar viewers that comply with the recognised ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

Solar eclipse glasses are designed to block the extremely intense visible light and other solar radiation produced by the Sun.

They are dramatically darker than ordinary sunglasses.

If you are purchasing eclipse glasses, choose them from a reputable supplier.

Do not assume glasses are safe simply because an ISO number is printed on the packaging.

2. Check Your Eclipse Glasses Before Using Them

Before looking towards the Sun, inspect your solar viewers carefully.

Do not use them if you notice:

• scratches
• cracks
• punctures
• tears
• damaged filters
• loose components
• filters separating from the frame

If the glasses appear damaged or you are uncertain about their origin, replace them.

When your eyesight is involved, it is not worth taking a risk.

3. Do Not Use Normal Sunglasses

This is one of the most important solar eclipse eye safety rules.

Normal sunglasses are not eclipse glasses.

This remains true even if your sunglasses are:

• very dark
• polarised
• expensive
• prescription sunglasses
• labelled as offering UV protection

Sunglasses are designed for normal daylight conditions.

They are not designed for looking directly at the Sun.

4. Avoid Homemade Eclipse Filters

Improvised eye protection can be dangerous.

Do not attempt to view the eclipse through:

• smoked glass
• tinted plastic
• photographic film
• CDs or DVDs
• sweet wrappers
• homemade filters
• several pairs of sunglasses worn together

If a product has not been specifically designed for safe solar observation, do not use it to view the Sun.

5. Be Extra Careful With Children

For many children, this may be their first memorable solar eclipse.

That makes it a great educational opportunity, but parents and carers should supervise children carefully.

Explain beforehand that they should never look directly towards the Sun without their eclipse viewers securely in place.

Make sure their eclipse glasses fit properly and are not damaged.

For younger children, an indirect viewing method may be safer and easier.

6. Never Use Eclipse Glasses With Binoculars or Telescopes

This is particularly important.

Do not look at the Sun through:

• binoculars
• telescopes
• camera viewfinders
• spotting scopes

while simply wearing eclipse glasses.

Optical equipment concentrates sunlight and can expose the eyes to extremely high levels of solar energy.

Specialist solar filters designed for the particular equipment must be fitted correctly at the front of the device, before sunlight enters the optics.

If you are not experienced with solar photography or astronomy equipment, it is safer not to attempt magnified viewing.

7. Try Indirect Viewing Instead

You do not need to look directly at the Sun to enjoy the eclipse.

One of the safest alternatives is to project an image of it.

Make a Pinhole Projector

Take a piece of card and make a small hole in it.

With your back facing the Sun, allow sunlight to pass through the hole onto another piece of white card or a suitable surface.

As the eclipse progresses, you should see the projected image of the Sun change shape.

Never look through the pinhole towards the Sun.

Use a Kitchen Colander

A kitchen colander can provide another simple indirect viewing method.

Stand with your back towards the Sun and allow sunlight to pass through the holes onto the ground or another surface.

Each hole acts like a tiny pinhole projector, creating multiple images of the partially eclipsed Sun.

This can be particularly interesting for children.

Can I Watch the Eclipse Through My Phone Camera?

Using your phone does not automatically make solar observation safe.

Do not use a phone screen as an excuse to stare towards the Sun for prolonged periods.

Pointing cameras or other optical equipment directly at intense sunlight may also damage some devices.

If you intend to photograph the eclipse, use appropriate solar photography equipment and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

For most people, genuine solar viewing glasses or an indirect projection method are the simplest options.

What If It Is Cloudy?

Do not assume clouds make it safe to look directly at the Sun.

Cloud cover may make the Sun appear less bright, but clouds are not an approved solar filter.

Solar radiation can still reach your eyes through thin cloud, haze or mist.

If you can see the Sun, use proper solar viewing protection.

Can Contact Lens Wearers Watch the Eclipse?

Yes, but contact lenses do not provide any additional protection against solar radiation.

Contact lens wearers need the same specialist eclipse viewing protection as everyone else.

Likewise, prescription spectacles do not make it safe to look directly at the Sun.

If you normally wear glasses, make sure your eclipse viewer can be positioned safely and comfortably over them.

Can You Wear Eclipse Glasses Over Prescription Glasses?

In many cases, yes.

Purpose-made eclipse viewers can usually be worn over ordinary spectacles, provided they completely cover your eyes and remain securely positioned.

The key is to make sure you cannot accidentally look around the edge of the solar filter.

If your eclipse glasses do not fit securely over your prescription spectacles, consider using a handheld solar viewer or an indirect viewing method instead.

What Should You Do If You Accidentally Look at the Sun?

Do not panic if you briefly glance towards the Sun accidentally.

However, pay attention to your vision afterwards.

If you experience symptoms such as:

• persistent blurred vision
• a central blind spot
• distorted vision
• unusual colour changes
• increased sensitivity to light
• difficulty focusing or reading

you should seek appropriate professional advice.

If you experience significant or sudden loss of vision, treat this as an urgent eye problem and seek urgent medical assessment.

Should I Have an Eye Test After the Eclipse?

You do not automatically need an eye examination simply because you watched the eclipse safely.

However, if you notice a change in your vision afterwards, an eye assessment is sensible.

Regular eye examinations are important even when you have no obvious symptoms.

A comprehensive eye examination does much more than determine whether you need glasses.

Modern eye examinations can assess different aspects of your eye health and help identify changes that may require monitoring, treatment or referral.

Enjoy the Eclipse Without Risking Your Sight

The 12 August 2026 solar eclipse should be a memorable experience for people across the UK.

The safest approach is simple:

If you are looking directly at the Sun, use genuine solar viewing equipment. If you do not have suitable protection, view the eclipse indirectly instead.

Do not rely on ordinary sunglasses, homemade filters or cloudy skies.

Your eyesight is too important to gamble with.

Expert Eye Care in Bushey and Harrow

At Eye 2 Eye Opticians, we believe good eye care should be thorough, personal and tailored to the individual.

Led by husband-and-wife team Dipesh and Sneha, Eye 2 Eye is an independent opticians providing expert eye care from practices in Bushey and Harrow.

We combine personalised service with investment in the latest eye-testing technology to provide comprehensive eye examinations and professional advice for every patient.

Our services include:

• comprehensive eye examinations
• eye health screening
• prescription glasses
• designer eyewear
• contact lenses
• professional eye-care advice

Whether you live in Bushey, Bushey Heath, Harrow, Stanmore, Watford, Radlett, Elstree, Oxhey, Borehamwood or the surrounding areas, our team is here to help you look after your vision.

Concerned About Your Eyes?

If you have noticed a change in your eyesight, are overdue an eye examination or simply want professional advice about your eye health, book an appointment with Eye 2 Eye Opticians.

Book your eye test at our Bushey or Harrow practice today.

This article provides general eye-health information and does not replace individual medical advice. Sudden or significant changes in vision should be assessed urgently by an appropriate healthcare professional.