Why You Shouldn't Look Directly at the Sun

The Sun Gazing Trend — And Why Doctors Warn Against It

Sun gazing — the practice of staring directly at the sun — is becoming increasingly popular. While enthusiasts claim it's safe during sunrise and sunset when UV levels are low, the reality is far more risky.

No ophthalmologist will recommend looking directly at the sun. Anyone who's tried knows instantly: the sun is so bright it floods your vision with darkness. That blindness lasts seconds. Your eyes ache. "I advise everyone against staring directly into that bright disk in the sky," says Dr. Ants Haavel, ophthalmologist at KSA Silmakeskus. "It burns your retina. Months later, patients report dark spots in their vision—exactly where they need it most, like when reading or recognising faces."

Sun gazers argue that looking at the sun for an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset causes less damage. Yet documented cases of severe eye injury—and even permanent blindness—among practitioners tell a different story.

The Benefits of Natural Sunlight (Done Right)

Natural sunlight genuinely benefits your health. It lifts mood, reduces stress, and eases headaches, joint pain and back pain. Sun exposure also suppresses allergies. Sunlight speeds metabolism and helps your body flush toxins faster. Time in the sun balances hormones, lifts depression, and boosts energy. Through sunlight, your skin and body produce vitamin A—essential for your body to function properly.

Sunlight is powerful medicine. But it's also powerful danger.

How to Enjoy the Sun Safely

Ultraviolet radiation and heat are intense. Don't expose bare skin for long periods, especially when UV levels exceed 5. Hours in direct sun causes real harm to your body. That's why sunglasses matter as much as sunscreen. Clothes protect your skin. Quality sunglasses protect your eyes.

The sun is a paradox: beneficial on one side, hazardous on the other. Only by using the sun wisely—with thought, care and respect—can you gain its benefits without damage.

Watch our video on sun safety and choosing the right sunglasses.