Following Monday’s solar eclipse in the United States, many individuals expressed concerns about their eye health, leading to a notable spike in Google searches for “eyes hurt” during the event.
Increased Search Activity
Google searches for “eyes hurt” surged around the time of the eclipse, indicating that some viewers were worried about potential eye damage. The peak in searches occurred at 3:12 p.m. ET, approximately 45 minutes after the eclipse’s path crossed into Texas from Mexico, and returned to normal levels by 5 p.m. the same day.
Regional Trends
The majority of searches originated from states in or near the path of totality, where the moon completely obscured the sun. Vermont, situated along the path of totality, reported the highest number of searches, followed by West Virginia, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Ohio. Metropolitan areas like Presque Isle, Maine, Plattsburgh, West Virginia, and Alpena, Michigan, also showed significant concern about eye health.
Potential Eye Damage
While solar eclipses can pose risks to eye health if viewed without proper precautions, experiencing discomfort immediately after viewing the eclipse does not necessarily indicate serious eye damage, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The absence of pain nerves in the retina means that damage from the eclipse is unlikely to cause immediate discomfort.
Monitoring Symptoms
Eye doctors advise individuals to monitor their vision for any visual symptoms such as blind spots or blurry vision, which could indicate serious eye damage. These symptoms typically manifest within four to six hours after viewing the eclipse. However, if individuals experience prolonged discomfort, it is advisable to seek professional eye care to ensure their eye health.
