The recent total solar eclipse was a sight to behold, but for some, the aftereffects may linger. Solar retinopathy, also known as “eclipse blindness,” is a condition that can occur when one gazes at the sun without the protection of specially designed solar filter glasses. The intense sunlight can harm the macula, the central part of the retina that enables us to drive, read, and recognize faces.
According to a 2017 study, even a brief exposure to the sun’s rays can cause temporary or permanent damage to the retina’s center. Once the retinal tissue is destroyed, akin to brain tissue, it cannot regenerate, leading to a permanent loss of central vision.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Eye injuries from solar eclipses are relatively rare. Dr. Ralph Chou, a renowned expert on safe eclipse viewing, noted that less than 100 cases of eye issues were reported in Canada and the United States following the 2017 solar eclipse.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) lists several symptoms of solar retinopathy. These include blurry vision, a blind spot in the central vision of one or both eyes, heightened sensitivity to light, headaches, distorted vision, and abnormal color perception.
The AAO also points out that visual symptoms typically appear within four to six hours. However, in some cases, they may not manifest until 12 hours later. Michelle Nichols, director of public observing at the Adler Planetarium, explained that the back of our eyeballs lack nerve endings, so one could be experiencing a burn without realizing it, which could potentially result in permanent damage.
While there is no specific treatment for solar retinopathy, it is crucial to consult an ophthalmologist who can evaluate the extent of the damage. Dr. Derek Price, an optometrist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, explained that patients often come in with a complaint of seeing a spot in their vision. Over time, the degradation of the retina becomes more apparent, and if the photoreceptors at the back of the eye are damaged, they could be lost forever.
Recovery is possible within three to six months for many, but permanent vision loss remains a risk. A 42-year-old man experienced blurry vision in both eyes for two months after staring directly at the sun for several minutes, as per a 2014 case study. Similarly, a Brooklyn woman who looked at the 2017 eclipse for 10 seconds without protective glasses reported “irreversible eye damage,” including a blind spot in her left iris.