Potential Signs of Eye Damage from Viewing an Eclipse
If you observed Monday’s solar eclipse, you might be pondering whether your eyes incurred any damage from the spectacle.
Experts in eye care and astronomy have affirmed the safety of directly viewing the sun during the fleeting totality phase when the moon entirely obstructs it, as ultraviolet rays are absent. However, during the partial eclipse stage, precautionary measures such as using eclipse glasses, specialized solar filters, or handheld solar viewers were strongly recommended.
Dr. Shaina Nensi, Vice President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, explained in a video interview with CTVNews.ca that during totality, it was safe to remove eclipse glasses due to the absence of UV rays. Nevertheless, in the moments leading up to and following totality, eye protection was necessary.
Eye-care experts shared insights with CTVNews.ca regarding what steps to take if concerns about eyesight arose post-eclipse observation.
Nensi warned of potential conditions resulting from observing the eclipse without adequate eye protection. Solar retinopathy, a common issue associated with viewing solar phenomena, typically lacks immediate eye pain.
Symptoms of solar retinopathy range from mild, such as watery eyes or light sensitivity, to severe, encompassing blurred or distorted vision and the presence of a scotoma—a blind spot—in central vision due to retina damage caused by essentially a sunburn in the eye from UV rays.
Dr. Martin Spiro, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, advised individuals experiencing visual discomfort or pain to seek optometric consultation promptly. The onset of solar retinopathy symptoms may occur within hours or one to two days post-exposure.
Unlike solar retinopathy, solar keratitis, characterized by UV burns on the eye’s front surface, can prompt pain due to corneal pain receptors.
Dr. Alexis Keeling, President of the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists, noted the potential delay in symptom manifestation for solar retinopathy, suggesting that patients might not notice symptoms until waking up the following day.
The risk of solar retinopathy varies based on factors like duration of exposure, pupil size, and eye color. Spiro highlighted that individuals with larger pupils or lighter eye colors might be at increased risk.
Although no specific treatment exists for solar retinopathy, optometrists can offer symptomatic management, including dietary supplements to aid healing, with recovery typically spanning one to six months.
In severe cases, irreversible vision impairment may occur, though complete blindness from solar retinopathy is rare.
Despite concerns, Keeling did not anticipate a surge in post-eclipse eye-related consultations in New Brunswick. Conversely, Nensi reported an increase in inquiries from concerned parents and noted colleagues seeing patients with vision abnormalities.
In conclusion, while the solar eclipse provided a rare celestial spectacle, it also highlighted the importance of safeguarding eye health during such events through proper protective measures and prompt professional consultation if symptoms arise.
