As enthusiasm grows for Monday’s solar eclipse, local eye doctors are urging residents to experience the eclipse, but to do it safely.

Looking directly at the solar eclipse can cause serious, irreversible consequences in the eyes, according to doctors. If not careful, those viewing the once-in-a-lifetime solar event might leave with an unfortunate souvenir: damage to or loss of vision.

“It can be just as simple as a black spot in your vision to complete blindness, depending on how much exposure you have,” said Dr. Tim Klugh, optometrist at Precision Eye Care in Washington.

Klugh said the only time it would be okay to look directly at the eclipse is in the path of totality, which will happen in the areas in and surrounding Charleston, South Carolina. In Beaufort County, residents will see about a 90 percent coverage rate, meaning the moon will block the sun, but not completely, and residents will still be exposed to dangerous UV rays. The sun will appear both dimmer and easier to view — and Klugh says that’s why people have a misconception that it’s actually safe to look at. Even though it doesn’t seem as bright, the rays can still do just as much irreversible damage.

Klugh said watching the solar eclipse with the naked eye could lead to solar retinopathy, when the cells in the retina get damaged and burnt from the UV exposure, and they stop working. Once the eye gets damaged, it’s difficult, if not impossible, for remediation.

“Let’s put it this way — there is no treatment once it happens,” Klugh said.

Since there is no turning back once the retina has been damaged due to solar retinopathy, prevention is extremely important. Klugh said he strongly recommends viewing the solar event via live streams to ensure maximum safety.

“I basically recommend that you view it on the TV more than anything,” Klugh said.

“Everybody is talking about these eclipse glasses. But they will only work if they are certified ISO and you use them properly. But, there are so many knockoffs that I get concerned,” Klugh said.

Adrienne Pok, ophthalmologist at Eye Care Center in Washington, said it’s safe to watch the solar eclipse, but only with the correct and approved coverage.

Amazon just recently recalled thousands of glasses, so for residents trying to witness the once-in-lifetime event in person, Pok said it’s imperative that residents are only purchasing and using glasses that are up to safety standards.

She said residents should only use glasses that are approved by international standards, and there are a few must-have items on the glasses that prove them to be safe.

“People should use viewing glasses that are ISO [international standards] approved. Make sure they’re not wrinkled or damaged and make sure they’re less than three years old, as well. The manufacturing names and address should be printed on it,” Pok said. “If it’s ISO approved, there should be the numbers 12312-2 on them.”

Another popular misconception is that sunglasses are an adequate form of solar protection, however, Pok stressed that that is absolutely not the case.

“People should never think that regular sunglasses, even if they are polarized, are safe. Those are not safe,” Pok said.

While the eclipse could truly be a once-in-lifetime event, it’s very important to take the necessary precautions before stepping outside to witness the awe-inspiring history.

“It’s an event that everyone wants to experience, obviously, but we need to make sure people are doing it safely,” Pok said.