Andorran authorities warn of the risks of looking directly at the Sun during the August 12 eclipse

Andorra is preparing to witness a solar eclipse on August 12, an astronomical phenomenon that will be visible from the country and has attracted public interest.

Ahead of the event, Andorra’s Health Department has urged the public to take precautions and highlighted the importance of using appropriate eye protection to observe the eclipse safely.

The main risk comes from looking directly at the Sun without adequate protection, which can cause serious eye injuries and, in some cases, permanent damage to eyesight.

Glasses complying with ISO 12312-2

The Government of Andorra recommends using special eclipse-viewing glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard. The glasses should be purchased from trusted retailers or reliable channels. Before using them, people should check that they are not damaged and that they have not expired.

Health authorities also advise putting the glasses on before looking at the Sun and keeping them on until after looking away. They also recommend avoiding prolonged observation and taking extra care with children, who should be closely supervised while watching the phenomenon.

The retina can be damaged without causing pain

Health authorities stress that protecting the retina is particularly important because direct exposure to solar radiation can cause damage without causing any immediate pain.

Symptoms may appear later and can include blurred vision, dark spots in the centre of the field of vision, distorted images and difficulty focusing or reading. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after observing the Sun is advised to consult a healthcare professional.

The August 12 solar eclipse offers an opportunity to enjoy a relatively unusual astronomical phenomenon, but the Government insists that it should always be observed with appropriate safety measures to protect eyesight.