Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Did you happen to lose your solar eclipse glasses and catch a glimpse of the sun during Monday’s total solar eclipse? Don’t panic. Dr. Denise Gallagher, an ophthalmologist and retina specialist at the UPMC Vision Institute, reassures that you’re likely okay unless you stared directly at the sun for an extended period of time.
According to Gallagher, the risk of eye damage from staring at the sun remains the same whether during an eclipse or on any other day. Following the recent total solar eclipse, people across the country reported headaches, eye dryness, and soreness, which Gallagher explained is a normal reaction.
Soreness and dryness in the eyes can occur from prolonged staring at any bright light source, not just during an eclipse. Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, likened the experience to eye strain from prolonged screen exposure in the dark.
If someone did accidentally look directly at the sun for more than a brief moment, they may experience blind or blurry spots in their vision, along with distortion. Gallagher noted that these symptoms may appear within hours of the exposure. She described the condition as solar retinopathy, resulting from retina burns due to staring at the sun.
While recovery is possible for individuals with solar retinopathy, some may have permanent vision defects depending on the extent of the damage. However, Gallagher emphasized that complete blindness is unlikely in such cases. If experiencing symptoms after the eclipse, Gallagher advises scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor for a check-up.
Gallagher highlighted that symptoms of solar retinopathy generally do not significantly impact daily functioning, based on her experience treating patients. It is crucial to differentiate solar retinopathy from other eye issues with similar symptoms, underscoring the importance of seeking professional evaluation.