The Order of Physicians, through its College of Ophthalmology, has called for public warnings to be placed in public areas to alert people to the dangers of directly observing the solar eclipse without adequate protection.
Joana Ferreira, president of the College of Ophthalmology, stressed the importance of warnings in the media and leisure spots like beaches and viewpoints, especially during the holiday season, to inform about the risks and the necessity of certified glasses. Direct observation without proper protection can cause solar retinopathy, a retinal burn leading to decreased central vision, dark spots, distorted vision, or altered color perception.
Ferreira emphasized that regular sunglasses, X-rays, or CDs are insufficient, and that binoculars and telescopes require certified solar filters. She also warned about the need for extra vigilance with children due to their natural curiosity. The damage from solar retinopathy can be irreversible, so eclipse viewing should only be done with adequate protection.
