Eclipse of 12 August 2026: watching it without risk to your eyes
A few seconds are enough to damage your retina, without feeling any pain. What to know before looking up this Wednesday evening.
On Wednesday 12 August 2026 in the late afternoon and evening, a solar eclipse will be visible from all of mainland France, with more than 80% of the Sun's disc hidden everywhere and up to 99.5% on the Basque coast. In Île-de-France, obscuration will reach about 92%: the event begins around 7:22 pm, peaks around 8:17 pm and ends around 9:09 pm.
Why an eclipse is more dangerous than an ordinary day
Paradoxically, it is not the Sun that becomes more aggressive: it is our behaviour that changes. Normally, glare triggers an immediate reflex to look away. During an eclipse, the brightness drops, the discomfort disappears — and we stare at the Sun for several seconds, even several minutes.
Yet the thin crescent still visible — 8% of the disc in Île-de-France — is more than enough to burn the retina. The rays are concentrated on the macula, the central area responsible for sharp vision. This is called solar retinopathy.
A painless burn, and that is the whole problem
The retina has no pain receptors: you feel absolutely nothing at the moment of injury. Symptoms appear a few hours later, often the next morning: a blurred or dark spot at the centre of your vision, straight lines that look wavy, washed-out colours, reduced visual acuity.
The outcome varies: partial recovery over several months is common, but a central problem may remain permanently. There is no curative treatment — hence the importance of prevention.
What really protects
- Eclipse glasses bearing the ISO 12312-2 standard and the CE mark. Note: this is a different standard from that of ordinary sunglasses (ISO 12312-1).
- Glasses in good condition: throw them away if the filter is scratched, folded, pierced or peeling. Pairs kept from a previous eclipse should be checked against the light — you should see nothing through them except the Sun.
- For the whole duration of the event: as the eclipse is partial everywhere in France, there is no point at which the glasses can be taken off.
- Indirect viewing, the safest: pinhole projection (a small hole in a piece of card, or even a simple colander) that casts the image of the eclipsed Sun onto a light surface.
What does not protect
Sunglasses, even very dark ones or several pairs worn together, smoked glass, X-ray films, CDs, photographic film, an unsuitable welder's mask: none of these filters infrared and ultraviolet rays. They reduce glare without reducing the danger, which makes them treacherous.
Children and people at risk
Children must be supervised at all times: they easily take the glasses off, and their more transparent lens lets more radiation through. For the youngest, viewing by projection remains the best option. Particular caution is also needed for patients who have had cataract surgery, are taking photosensitising medication, or already have a macular condition.
If in doubt after the eclipse
If, in the hours or days that follow, you notice a central spot, distorted lines or reduced vision, see an ophthalmologist. A fundus exam and a macular OCT can show precisely any damage to the photoreceptors and allow follow-up.
The Grand Paris Ophtalmologie practice in Noisy-le-Grand has all of these examinations on site.
Frequently asked questions
What time can I see the eclipse from Noisy-le-Grand?
In Île-de-France time: start around 7:22 pm, maximum around 8:17 pm with about 92% of the Sun hidden, end around 9:09 pm. The Sun will be low on the horizon: you need a clear view to the west.
Can I photograph the eclipse with my phone?
Yes, by aiming at the screen and not directly at the Sun, and never using the optical viewfinder of a camera. For your eyes, the risk comes mainly from the reflex of lifting your head to frame the shot.
I looked for a few seconds without protection: should I be worried?
A very brief exposure does not always cause damage, and the absence of pain means nothing either way. Monitor your vision for 48 hours, testing each eye separately on a text or a tiled floor. At the slightest central blur or distortion, see a doctor.