The Danger of Solar Eclipses: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Eyes
ECLIPSE watchers have gone into a panic following the cosmic event, but experts insist everything is fine.
Experts Reassure Public After Solar Eclipse
Following the solar eclipse, many people have reported experiencing their eyes hurting or watering eyes, leading many to think that they have damaged their vision.
Reports of Vision Issues Post Solar Eclipse
Google searches for “‘eyes hurt” have spiked during the solar eclipse.
Impact of Solar Eclipse on Eye Health
Many have taken to social media to share their growing concern after watching the eclipse with special glasses.
Social Media Concerns About Eye Health Post-Eclipse
“I used glasses to see the solar eclipse & my eyes still felt different afterwards,” one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Social Media Reactions to Eye Discomfort Post-Eclipse
Despite how it looks, blurry vision or watering eyes is completely normal after watching the solar event, Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai told NPR.
Expert Opinion on Eye Health and Solar Eclipses
The ophthalmologist said that it’s very hard for humans to experience eye damage from a solar eclipse because our eyes have evolved to not star directly at the sun.
Preventing Eye Damage During Solar Eclipses
In 2017 it was estimated that around 150 million Americans viewed the event, yet there were only 100 documented cases of eye damage across both the United States and Canada.
Statistics on Eye Damage from Solar Eclipses
Some cases have managed to resolve themselves over time however permanent damage can occur.
Recognizing and Treating Eye Damage Post-Eclipse