Experts reveal what to do if your eyes hurt after a solar eclipse – here are the key signs of damage to look for
Millions across the UK watched the historic Solar Eclipse on Wednesday evening. However experts are now issuing a warning to those who took part.
It was a pretty big deal as it marked the most coverage since the last solar eclipse in 1999. Experts predicted the Moon would cover around 90% to 96% of the Sun.
The last total solar eclipse was 27 years ago, we’ll have to wait 64 years until the next total solar eclipse in 2090.
In the days leading up to Wednesday’s eclipse, eye doctors spoke out to warn the public against staring at the Sun without adequate eye protection.
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Most sunglasses don’t carry enough UV protection for gazing at a solar eclipse. Specialist glasses were available to buy and for those who were unable to get a pair, other safe ways included using an empty cereal box, a colander and card, among other kitchen bits and bobs.
"If you are watching from the UK, the simple answer is no, not without proper eclipse glasses," said Mr Mfazo Hove, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Founder of Blue Fin Vision when asked if it’s ever safe to look directly at a solar eclipse. "This is a partial eclipse here, which means part of the Sun will remain visible throughout.
"The Sun does not become safe to look at just because most of it is covered. Even a very thin crescent is bright enough to damage your eyes."
However, some people may have inadvertently looked at the sun without protection last night. It’s important to be alert for any signs of eye damage.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can include experiencing blurred vision, a central blind spot or dark spot, or increased sensitivity to light.
It doesn’t take very long for sunlight to damage the retina, which is located at the back of the eye and is responsible for sharp central vision.
Even when the sun is particularly obscured, its bright light can still cause damage. Usually, if you look up at the sun, you wince and turn your gaze or shut your eyes in response. But during a solar eclipse, you may end up staring for longer.
Plus, when it’s darker during an eclipse, the instinct to look away may not kick in.
Because the retina has no pain receptors, it’s tough for people to recognise when their eyes are being damaged. The symptoms may not appear for several hours after.
The damage will not feel like a burn, but the symptoms can come on gradually within a few hours
Alexander Ionides, a consultant eye surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, told the BBC to look out for a grey, yellow or dark spot right in the very centre of your vision.
Other symptoms can include eye pain, redness, grittiness or irritation.
What should you do if you notice symptoms?
You should seek urgent medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms.
"There are different ways to get the eyes checked out in the UK, you can always go to a local optician, they're very well equipped now," he added.
"They can do retinal scans to look for any solar retinopathy, which is the damage to the retina from looking at the eclipse.
"And also they can refer you on to the local eye unit. There are local eye casualties as well. And most hospitals will have an eye doctor on call."
Greg Harris