Warning for eclipse gazers

Eclipse enthusiasts have been advised to use eye protection when venturing out to watch today’s solar eclipse, visible in Qatar from 11.04am to 3.38pm.
In Qatar, the eclipse will be partial though it will be total when seen from a narrow track starting in northern Canada and extending across Greenland, Russia and Mongolia, before ending in China.
A Doha-based ophthalmologist has cautioned Qatar residents against staring at the sun with the naked eye during the eclipse. This could damage the retina and impair eyesight, he said.
“I hope no one will look at the sun without sun glasses specifically designed for protection against the harmful ultra violet rays. The problem is the damage can happen without even one feeling any pain,” the doctor said.
Using a telescope was even more dangerous since it “focuses the ultra-violet rays directly on to the retina”. The damage to the eye would be greater, he warned.
He advised those keen to observe the sun during the solar eclipse to use protective devices like special sun glasses or film negatives or welder glasses.
According to Qatar’s Meteorology Department, the eclipse will also be visible in Oman, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the eastern parts of Saudi Arabia, northern parts of Jordan and the Palestinian territories.