Can I take off my glasses to see the solar eclipse? Yeah, but there's a rule

A race to the glasses to see the eclipse increases as the phenomenon approaches (it will be tomorrow, August 12). But for those who already have them, the question arises: is it safe to remove the glasses when the sun is fully covered?

According to an article from El País, experts argue that it is safe to do so; however, on the other hand, optometrist associations warn that “look directly at the solar eclipse, without proper protection, can cause serious and irreversible eye damage”. 

What should we do then?

Astrophysicist Jorge Pérez Gallego points out that “when the eclipse reaches 100% it will stay at night”, that is, “only then can you remove the eclipse glasses to look at the sun”. 

Marcos Pérez Maldonado, director of the Coruñese Scientific Museums, agrees: “If you don’t take them out right now, you will lose the most spectacular image of the phenomenon.”.

Following this perspective, the American Astronomical Society, NASA and ESA advise the removal of glasses during the entire eclipse. However, they highlight the importance of maintaining them during a partial eclipse and annular eclipse. 

Still, choosing a more cautious approach, vision specialists make no distinction between the types and phases of eclipses.

When and how to remove glasses to avoid risks

The secret is not to take off your glasses too early when the total darkness begins and does not wait long to put them back when it is over. 

This last point is important, since after a period of darkness the pupils become dilated, increasing the risk of eye damage caused by sudden exposure to intense sunlight. 

Solar eclipse: Important tips for seeing you safely

Astrophysicist Pérez Gallego shared some important tips:

1. As eclipse is forming, “if you are looking at the eclipse (still partial) and are wearing your protective glasses, there will come a time when the solar disk will disappear and you will see nothing else. That’s where you can take them”;

2. “If you are looking in another direction, without glasses, you will realize that it is getting dark: then count to three, to be sure, and then you can observe the eclipse with the naked eye”; 

3. When the whole is about to end, “the safest thing is to put your glasses back on before it is over.” Do a survey to see how long the eclipse lasts in the area you live in. When this phase starts, set a timer for 10 seconds less. When you touch, look away from the sun and put on your glasses again”. 

The same perspective is advocated by National Geographic Portugal: “There is only one situation where it is safe to withdraw protection: during the total phase of a total eclipse of Sol. When the Moon completely covers the photosphere and the observer is within the narrow strip where the whole occurs, it is possible to directly contemplate the solar crown for a few moments“.

“ As soon as the first flash of light, known as the effect of the diamond ring, appears, the glasses must be put back on immediately. In partial eclipses and annular eclipses, this phase never occurs. Therefore, the protection should be maintained throughout the observation”.

The eclipse will last about two hours, starting around 6:30 and ending at 8:30. Your maximum will be around 7:30. According to the Eclipse 2026 platform, the totality phase will last less than half a minute.

That is, in case of doubt, you are advised never to take off your glasses.