Following Monday’s solar eclipse, an alarming trend was seen as Google searches for eye-related injuries spiked. In New York City, Doctor Janette Nesheiwat reported treating a surge of patients with eye pain after the eclipse. Some patients even expressed fear that they may go blind after looking at the sun without proper protection.
Health experts had previously warned against looking directly at the sun without adequate eye protection, as exposure to the sun’s rays can cause serious and permanent damage to the eyes. The increase in Google searches for terms like “hurt eyes” and “why do my eyes hurt after the eclipse” further highlighted the potential risks associated with viewing the eclipse without proper precautions.
While the CDC does not have national data on eye damage following the eclipse, Nesheiwat disclosed that she treated up to eight patients who had looked at the sun without adequate eye protection. It was also revealed that some solar eclipse glasses were actually recalled for not meeting safety standards. Glasses labeled “EN ISO 12312-1:2022” were specifically mentioned in the recall, and customers were strongly advised not to use them to view the eclipse.
As more individuals seek medical attention for eye-related concerns post-eclipse, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding safety recommendations when viewing solar events. The consequences of failing to protect one’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays can be severe and irreversible, underscoring the need for vigilance and caution in such situations.
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