Following the eclipse, there has been an increase in Google searches related to eye damage in Ontario, with clinics reporting an influx of patients seeking treatment

Following the recent total solar eclipse in Ontario, there was a notable surge in Google searches related to eye damage and discomfort, with many individuals seeking information about potential eye issues after the eclipse. The peak in searches occurred around 3:30 p.m., following the eclipse that started in southern Ontario just after 2 p.m. and reached totality around 3:15 p.m. Despite widespread warnings about the dangers of directly viewing the sun during the eclipse, it appears that some individuals did not heed this advice.

Although there were no immediate reports of individuals visiting hospital emergency rooms in Waterloo Region for eclipse-related eye problems, local eye clinics experienced an increase in appointment requests the following day. The Waterloo Eye Institute, part of the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science, saw two patients specifically booking appointments related to eclipse-related eye concerns on Tuesday.

Directly viewing a solar eclipse is particularly risky because the darkened skies cause pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared rays from the sun to enter the eyes. This heightened exposure can result in damage to the retinal photoreceptor layer, which is essential for visual information processing and transmission to the brain.

Eye damage resulting from observing a solar eclipse without adequate protection can be irreversible. Symptoms of solar retinopathy, the condition caused by this type of eye damage, may include blurred vision, eye pain, blind spots, micropsia (objects appearing smaller than they are), or metamorphosia (straight lines appearing curved). These symptoms may develop within hours or days following exposure.

Anyone experiencing discomfort or vision changes after viewing a solar eclipse should seek immediate medical attention from an eye care provider to assess the severity of the damage and determine appropriate next steps. It's crucial to emphasize the importance of preventive measures and prompt medical evaluation for eye safety, as permanent damage from solar retinopathy cannot be reversed.