Looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause serious damage to the eyes, including "eclipse blindness" or retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy. This exposure to the light can cause damage or even destroy cells in the retina (the back of the eye) that transmit what you see to the brain. This damage can be temporary or permanent and occurs with no pain. It can take a few hours to a few days after viewing the solar eclipse to realize the damage that has occurred. Symptoms of eye damage from looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection include loss of central vision (solar retinopathy), distorted vision, and altered color vision. If you notice any of these symptoms after viewing a solar eclipse, seek treatment from an eye care professional.

It is never safe to look at a partial solar eclipse without proper safety equipment or techniques. During the very brief time the sun is in total solar eclipse it is safe to look at it, but do so with caution. Even during the total solar eclipse, the total eclipse only lasts a couple of minutes, so it is important to have proper eye protection for the rest of the time. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as "eclipse glasses".