Dr. Jordi Monés advises viewers of TV3’s news programme not to look at the sun during Friday’s eclipse

Dr. Jordi Monés, the ophthalmologist specialising in the retina and the Director of the Institut de la Màcula, has called for caution when viewing the solar eclipse on the morning of Friday 20 March. This is a relatively rare phenomenon that only occurs every 10 or 15 years. 

Despite the unusual nature of the event, Dr. Monés advised people not to stare at the sun “unless they are using professional equipment”. If this is not available, he said that “the best thing is to watch it on television”. Dr. Monés added that “it would be safest for schoolchildren not to be allowed into the playground to avoid them being tempted to look at the sun”.

Dr. Monés warned the population of the possible damage to the retina that may be produced when viewing the eclipse. Looking at the sun or eclipses causes an injury that is “very small, right in the centre of the eye. While vision is restored, there remains a point in the centre with a visual defect. This is  permanent”.

You can watch the interview using the following link.