Is Staring At The Sun Bad For You?
Also Known As: sungazing
Short answer
Staring at the sun for a short period of time can cause damage to your eyes, but it's generally temporary. However, staring at it for an extended period of time can cause permanent damage.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
While many people love watching a sunrise or sunset, most avoid staring directly into the sun for fear of damaging their eyes. It is common knowledge that staring at the sun can be harmful to your eyes, but few people know what actually happens when you turn your eyes directly toward the sun. So, what does happen and how dangerous is it?
The most common eye injury from staring at the sun is a sunburn. That is because that, as soon as you start looking directly at the sun, the fragile outer layer of your eyeball begins to develop a sunburn due to the sun's severe UV light. The sunburn causes the outer layer of the eye to blister and crack and is usually associated with symptoms of eye irritation and producing more tears than normal. Fortunately, this type of eye sunburn is temporary and wears off within a day or so.
If you stare at the sun for an extended period of time, you can damage not only the outer layer of your eye but your retina as well. Staring at the sun for more than a minute (give or take) can damage the tissues of your retina, which is comprised of a group of cells that allow you to see by transmitting the images in your field of vision to your brain. Damage to retinal tissue can heal within a few months to a year, but it can also cause partial or complete permanent blindness.
All in all, you shouldn't fear for your vision if you accidentally glance up in the sun's direction for a few seconds. If you value your undamaged sight, however, it's best not to stare deliberately at the sun for any extended period of time.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- partial or complete blindness
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Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 02-05-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 02-05-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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