The Ministry of Health urged the public to not look directly at the sun during the anticipated partial eclipse to be witnessed by the entire country tomorrow, 25 October. According to an Arab daily, the MOH has published a number of health awareness guidelines relevant to the eclipse, specifying that looking directly at the sun during the astronomical phenomenon without the appropriate eye protection may cause permanent or temporary damage to the cells of the retina, or retinopathy, or may cause blindness.
Officials added that sunglasses, photographic camera lenses or mobile phone cameras do not provide sufficient protection for the eye. Moreover, the safe way to view the sun directly as the eclipse unfolds is by using special glasses or telescopes. The MOH also advised individuals to consult a specialist if symptoms appear on the eye due to use of unsafe devices.
