Man who got permanent eye damage from last solar eclipse shares exactly what happened

A man who looked at the sun during the last visible solar eclipse in the UK has shared his experience and the permanent eye damage he received.

On the 11th of August, the first fully visible solar eclipse in the past 27 years happened in England. Millions of people took part in viewing the spectacle, queuing up for hours for solar eclipse glasses and gathering at local parks.

@thetab_

How long would you queue for some solar eclipse glasses?! 🤓 👓 🌒 #london #solareclipse #eclipseglasses #eclipse #partialeclipse

♬ Dramatic Tension – Litne

An important part of the celebration was emphasising the need to use the right eye protection to safely view the eclipse. Whether that’s a homemade projection box or special cameras, there are loads of ways to safely view an eclipse.

A man on TikTok who goes by J shared his experience of viewing an eclipse without the proper protective gear.

“To all the people who are saying you can look at a solar eclipse, and it doesn’t affect your eye… I lost 84% in my left eye in 1999 looking directly at a solar eclipse. Do not do it. Even with these sunglasses, it’s not worth it,” he said.

@jstikkytoky

Dont be that guy.. in 1999 i caused perm damage to my eye looking into a solar eclipse.. its not worth it. trust me #solar #eclipse #blind

♬ original sound – J

Most Read

Extent of Perez Hilton’s ‘lifelong disfigurement’ becomes clear, as he may be in hospital for months

A deep dive into what the hell is going on with the 27-year-old and Peter Pan at Disneyland

Chris Watts has remarried in jail and he and his new wife have ‘steamy visits’ in prison

The last eclipse in 1999 had at least 70 people suffering permanent eye damage in the UK.

“I, for myself, will not be looking up at all, I don’t even care. 1999, and I ruined my eyesight. Don’t be that guy,” J continued.

He clarified in the comment section that he was six years old during the last eclipse, and had been staring at the sun for around five minutes.

“Don’t be that guy… in 1999 I caused permanent damage to my eye looking into a solar eclipse… It’s not worth it. Trust me,” he emphasised in the TikTok caption.

Worried you might have looked directly into the solar eclipse? Check our warning signs of eye damage article here, and call 111 for any non-emergency health advice from NHS professionals.

For more like this, like The Tab on Facebook.

Featured image via @jstikkytoky on TikTok and Canva