Saw the solar eclipse? Now beware of solar retinopathy as people begin to complain of eye problems

People across North America witnessed the rare total solar eclipse on Monday. The astronomical event was observed almost like a festival in the United States, with people flocking together outside their homes to catch the transition of a sunny day turning all dark.

But after the cosmic event, several peoplestarted experiencing eye pain, flooding the Google searches with “eyes hurt.” Google Trends in the US showed on Tuesdaythat the maximum number of people searched for queries containing “my eyes hurt” right after the eclipse sighting.

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NASA earlier advised people to use only lab-tested glasses to watch the eclipse. However, due to the influx of people, many local shops sold fake glasses to meet the demand.

It is generally advised to use sunglasses that contain special filters that block out harmful ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation. Staring directly at an eclipse or without proper protective eye gear can affect the retina, causing various eye-related issues. The most common eye issue experienced after looking at an eclipse is called solar retinopathy.

What is solar retinopathy?

Solar retinopathy is the damage caused to your eye’s retina after getting affected by radiation from the sun. The retina is the thin tissue in our eyes that is responsible for processing light into the eyes.

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People who take part in sun gazing and sunbathingwithout wearing proper protective gearare at a greater risk of experiencing solar retinopathy.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has now released a list of symptoms to look out for in the coming days to ensure that people can take the necessary steps to keep their eyes safe and healthy.

Symptoms and treatment

Symptoms of solar retinopathy include watery eyes, headaches and sensitivity, to more serious effects, such as blurred vision or eye pain.

Extreme cases of solar retinopathy can even cause issues like metamorphopsia, where straight lines start appearing rounded, or, micropsia, when objects start appearing smaller than they are. Some can even experience scotoma which is when a blind spot developsin your line of vision.

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Visual symptoms usually begin within six to 12 hours, although some may experience them sooner.

In rare cases, solar retinopathy can lead to permanent blindness or visual impairments, also known as low vision. Experts say that you cannot identify solar retinopathy simply by examining your eye in a mirror or by having a friend check for signs of damage. An examination by an ophthalmologist is required.

However, medical experts suggest that there is no need to worry as most of these eye discomforts are short-lived after watching an eclipse.

(With inputs from agencies)