Eye damage after eclipse

Looking at the sun without proper eye protection, such as certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers, can lead to solar retinopathy, or damage to the retina from exposure to solar radiation. While the highly specialized cells inside our eyes don’t feel any pain, the rods, cones and photochemical reactors become inflamed and damaged when looking at the sun, said Ronald Benner, an optometrist and president of the American Optometric Association.

“Eclipse damage is unlikely to cause eye pain or discomfort because the retina has no painful nerves. Instead, you will notice visual symptoms within 4 to 6 hours. But some may notice symptoms after 12 hours,” said Michelle Andreoli, an ophthalmologist and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

If you notice any symptoms or experience eye discomfort, such as poor color vision, discoloration, blurring, or holes in your vision, make an appointment with a doctor or eye care specialist immediately.

If the damage occurs in the center of someone’s vision, it can affect the ability to read or recognize faces, Benner said.

It is similar to the effect produced when we see a camera flash going off, which can distort our vision for a few minutes before disappearing. But the intensity of solar retinopathy causes permanent damage that is not immediately evident. Overnight, cells can die and will not be replaced.

Changes in a person’s vision depend on the type of damage that occurs, and can occur in one or both eyes. Benner also suggests that parents talk to their children about symptoms of eye discomfort if they watched the eclipse together, especially if they are concerned that their children may have removed or looked around their eclipse glasses. It can be difficult for children to express what they are experiencing, such as not being able to see clearly with one eye, Benner said.