Italy launches nationwide eye‑safety campaign for August 12 solar eclipse

Health assessor and ophthalmologist Massimo Nicolò announced a national campaign urging Italians not to look directly at the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 without certified eclipse glasses. He warned that unprotected viewing can cause permanent retinal damage, especially to the macula, and called on all regional health departments to spread a unified safety message.

The campaign targets millions of expected observers across Italy, where the eclipse will be visible as a partial event. Local initiatives include public viewing sessions in Siena’s Fortezza Medicea, a planetarium program at Città della Scienza in Naples, and organized sky‑watching events in Piombino and Zaccanopoli, each providing certified solar filters. Authorities stress that ordinary sunglasses are insufficient and that children, the elderly, and people with pre‑existing eye conditions are at higher risk.

Officials advise the public to obtain ISO 12312‑2‑certified eclipse glasses, avoid homemade filters, and seek immediate ophthalmic care if visual disturbances appear after viewing.