Eye experts are urging people to watch for signs of vision damage after looking at the sun during Wednesday's eclipse. Symptoms such as blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, and increased sensitivity to light may indicate harm.
Staring at an eclipse without proper protection can damage the retina, specifically the cells responsible for sharp central vision. This condition, known as "solar retinopathy," can occur because the retina lacks pain receptors, meaning damage may not be immediately noticeable and symptoms could emerge hours later.
Alexander Ionides, a consultant eye surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, stated that symptoms typically appear within a few hours and may include a grey, yellow, or dark spot in the centre of vision. Other potential symptoms are eye pain, redness, grittiness, sudden sight changes, and increased light sensitivity.
Following the 1999 total solar eclipse visible in the UK, approximately 70 people sustained sight damage, with many having looked at the sun for less than a minute. Experts had advised using only genuine specially-designed solar eclipse glasses, noting that ordinary sunglasses were insufficient.