Millions of Americans looked up to the sky Monday to witness the total solar eclipse as it made its way across the country. But several spectators were left wondering after the phenomenon: why am I experiencing eye pain?
Google Trends data showed that search queries containing the phrase “my eyes hurt” shot up after the eclipse’s path of totality was in view over the United States. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the path of totality crossed over the U.S.-Mexico border and was visible in the South Texas Plains just before 2:30 p.m. EST. Maximum totality was viewable in Buffalo, New York, by 3:20 p.m. EST.
Experts issued multiple warnings before Monday’s eclipse to not look straight at the event without wearing protective glasses, which contain special filters that block out harmful ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation. Staring directly at an eclipse has the same risks as staring directly into the sun on a normal day—the light can potentially burn your retina, causing solar retinopathy.
What is Solar Retinopathy?
Solar retinopathy is defined by damage to your retinas—the thin tissue in your eye responsible for processing light—after looking directly into a bright light, such as the sun or laser pointers. Those more at risk from experiencing solar retinopathy include individuals who take part in sun gazing or sunbathing often, children, or those who do welding without wearing protective eyewear, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms of solar retinopathy can range from watery eyes, headaches and having a sensitivity to light to more serious effects, such as blurred vision or eye pain. Some retina damage can cause issues like metamorphopsia, where straight lines appear rounded, micropsia, when objects appear smaller than they actually are, or scotoma, which is a blind spot in your line of vision.
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 can test for irregularities in your retina.
I Wore Eclipse Glasses. Why Do I Still Have Eye Pain?
Several retailers sold eclipse glasses ahead of Monday’s event, from convenience stores like 7-Eleven to online shops like Amazon. But according to NASA, safe eclipse glasses have to comply with the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a nongovernment organization that coordinates worldwide standards for multiple activities. The ISO provided tips online on how to make sure your eclipse glasses meet the body’s standard for viewing directly at the sun.
It is also likely that some viewers suffered eye strain after staring at the eclipse for a prolong period of time. John Hopkins Medicine recommends that to relieve symptoms of eye strain—which can range from water eyes to headaches and blurry vision—you should rest your eyes and change your environment to reduce bright lighting or glares. It may also be beneficial to grab an over-the-counter dry eye drop.
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