Sungazing was one of the latest trends on video-sharing platform TikTok, encouraging people to stare directly into the sun to supposedly improve their eyesight.
The hashtag #sungazing currently has 76.8 million views on TikTok.
Videos encouraged people to remove their contact lenses and stare directly at the sun for five to 10 seconds during the first and last 15 minutes of sunlight of the day.
Other videos recommended removing contact lenses and staring directly at the sun with eyes closed at midday.
The trend suggested that UVB rays had health benefits and contributed towards Vitamin D production and eye health.
Optician’s clinical editor Manbir Nagra said: ‘It won’t come as a surprise that staring directly into the sun is not recommended. It increases the risk of damage to ocular tissues.
'Individuals could develop eye conditions such as solar retinopathy which can affect visual acuity and cause central/paracentral scotoma. Recovery can occur, over many months, but some individuals may be left with longer-term ocular changes.’