Here's why:
* Sunburn for your eyes: The sun's rays can burn your retinas, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. This can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.
* Solar retinopathy: This is a specific type of sun-induced eye damage that can occur even without feeling pain.
* Eye strain and headaches: Even without burns, staring at the sun can strain your eyes and cause headaches.
Exceptions:
* Solar eclipse viewing: It's only safe to look at the sun during a total solar eclipse when the sun is completely blocked by the moon and using certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers.
* Telescopes and binoculars: Never look at the sun through these devices without specialized solar filters designed for that purpose.
If you're concerned about your eyesight, always consult an ophthalmologist.