“Quebec Health Department Reports 28 Cases of Eye Injury Associated with Solar Eclipse”

The Quebec Health Department has disclosed that it has received 28 reports of eye damage stemming from the total solar eclipse that occurred on April 8, traversing the southern regions of the province. As of April 17, these cases encompass a range of ocular issues, including corneal inflammation, dry eyes, and solar retinopathy, characterized by permanent retinal burns.

The path of totality, wherein the sun is entirely obscured by the moon, casting a period of darkness, intersected several regions including Montreal, Monteregie, Estrie, Centre-du-Quebec, Chaudiere-Appalaches, and Iles-de-la-Madeleine.

In anticipation of this celestial phenomenon, authorities had advised the public to utilize certified eclipse glasses as a protective measure against eye damage when observing the sun directly. Additionally, Quebec’s Health Department, in collaboration with the province’s order of optometrists, established a monitoring system to track incidents of eye injuries resulting from the eclipse.

Given that the data was collected voluntarily by optometrists, the Health Department acknowledges potential delays in reporting and suggests that the reported 28 cases may not fully capture the extent of eye injuries incurred.

Furthermore, ongoing investigations are underway to assess the impact of the eclipse on emergency room visits, providing crucial insights into the broader repercussions of this astronomical event on public health.