Looking directly at the sun, even just a few seconds can cause serious damage to the eyes. Likewise, when looking directly at the sun without using protection when a solar eclipse occurs. Some people might think that it's okay to look directly at a solar eclipse, because the sky becomes dark when the sun is covered by the moon. In fact, seeing a solar eclipse directly can harm the eyes. The Danger of Stare at a Solar Eclipse Staring directly at a solar eclipse without protection can cause solar retinopathy. Solar retinopathy occurs when too much ultraviolet (UV) light enters the retina and eventually damages the eyes. When entering the eye, UV light will be focused by the lens and absorbed by the retina behind the eye. After being absorbed by the retina, UV light produces free radicals that begin to oxidize the tissue around the eyes. As a result, stem cells and cone cells in the retina are damaged. This condition is called solar retinopathy. People who experience solar ret