28 Cases of Eye Damage Linked to Solar Eclipse Reported by Quebec Health Department

According to Quebec’s Health Department, there have been 28 reports of eye damage linked to the total solar eclipse on April 8 that passed over certain parts of the province.

The 28 cases reported as of April 17 consist of corneal inflammation, dry eyes, and solar retinopathy, which is a permanent burn to the retina.

The path of totality, where the sun is completely obscured by the moon causing darkness, traversed regions such as Montreal, Montérégie, Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches, and Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Prior to the celestial event, officials recommended the use of certified eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage when viewing the sun directly. Quebec’s Health Department also established a monitoring system for eye injuries in collaboration with the province’s order of optometrists.

Since the data was voluntarily collected by optometrists, the province notes that there may be reporting delays and the 28 cases reported may underestimate the actual number of cases.

The Health Department is currently analyzing the impact of the eclipse on emergency room visits.

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