Looking at a solar eclipse without proper protection can cause permanent damage to the eyes. The intense light from the sun can burn the inside of the eyeball, which can affect the neuro-tissue in the back of the eye, causing solar retinopathy. Symptoms of solar retinopathy include loss of central vision, altered color vision, and distorted vision. The center of the eyes retina, where 99% of vision occurs, can be permanently damaged by the intense light of the sun during an eclipse. Even a quick glance at the sun during an eclipse can cause damage to the retina. The American Optometric Association recommends using certified solar eclipse glasses to view an eclipse. Sunglasses, unfiltered telescopes, and polarizing filters are not safe to use to view an eclipse.